Collapsible Pet Water Bowl with Pendular Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet water containers are not suitable for use in motion, as they are bulky, difficult to clean, and prone to spillage, with limited height adjustment and potential for breakage, making it challenging for pet owners to provide sustenance on-demand during travel.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, cylindrical container with a flexible, waterproof inner lining and adjustable strap that attaches to a vehicle, featuring a spill guard and d-rings to prevent tipping and spilling, allowing for easy access and hydration of pets during travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard plastic water bowl is used in a vehicle, then it is durable and easy to clean, but it occupies considerable space, is bulky, and may break or cause injury upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The water bowl is divided into multiple components: a collapsible body that can be folded flat, a separate spill guard, and a detachable strap system. This segmentation allows the bowl to collapse to a thin profile for compact storage while maintaining structural integrity when assembled for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The water bowl utilizes a flexible, collapsible body made from durable yet pliable material that can be folded flat for compact storage. The flexible nature allows the bowl to collapse without breaking while maintaining its water-holding function when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional water bowl is placed on the seat or floor of a vehicle, then it is easily accessible to the animal, but it occupies precious space and may be stepped upon
Solution Approach 1:
The water bowl is suspended from the vehicle ceiling using an adjustable strap system, moving it from the horizontal plane (seat or floor) to the vertical dimension. This eliminates floor and seat space occupation while keeping the bowl accessible to animals through adjustable height positioning.
3Ease of manufacture
If a water bowl is made from hard plastic, then it is easy to clean, but it may crack and hurt animals upon forceful contact
Solution Approach 1:
The water bowl employs a flexible, collapsible body that eliminates hard plastic surfaces. The soft, pliable material prevents injury to animals upon contact while maintaining ease of cleaning through its smooth, non-porous surface that resists bacterial growth and allows simple washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The water bowl combines multiple materials including a flexible waterproof outer layer, an inner food-safe lining, and a protective spill guard. This composite construction provides both safety (soft flexible exterior) and cleanability (smooth non-porous surfaces).
4Ease of operation
If a water bowl is designed for portability, then it is easy to transport, but it may be prone to spillage during motion
Solution Approach 1:
A spill guard is positioned around the opening of the water bowl to prevent water from spilling outward during motion. The guard creates a physical barrier that counteracts the centrifugal and gravitational forces that would otherwise cause spillage during vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The water bowl features an adjustable strap system that allows dynamic positioning at different heights and angles. This adjustability enables optimization of the bowl's orientation during motion to minimize spillage while maintaining portability and ease of transport.
5Reliability
If a water bowl requires assembly with a screwdriver, then it can be securely attached, but it cannot be easily disassembled for cleaning and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into modular components including a quick-release strap mechanism with detachable buckles and adjustable segments. This segmentation allows the bowl to be easily assembled and disassembled without tools while maintaining secure attachment when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system incorporates adjustable length segments and movable buckles that allow dynamic configuration. The quick-release mechanism provides secure attachment during use while enabling rapid disassembly for cleaning and transport without requiring tools.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The container effectively reduces spillage and occupies less space, providing a safe and convenient means of hydration for pets during vehicle travel by minimizing the need for frequent water breaks and accommodating various animal sizes and vehicle configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an inner lining formed from a waterproof material; the body being constructed to at least temporarily maintain a liquid without leakage through the body
Implementation Method 2
a strap coupled to the body for supporting the container during use
Data Source
AI summary
A food or water container for use by animals. The container may be formed from a flexible and thus collapsible material for safety and portability. The container may be further provided with a strap for hanging the container during use and may be especially adapted for use in a moving vehicle, with the strap enabling pendular movement of the container to lessen the effect of movement of the vehicle and reduce spillage. Additional features such as a spill guard, and a removable, multi-purpose strap are also contemplated.