Collapsible Pet Crate Hinged Frame Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet enclosures are either rigid and cumbersome for storage and transport or soft and unwieldy, posing risks to pets and damaging objects due to their size and material, and lack the ability to compact effectively.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible soft pet crate with a hinged frame and flexible panels that can be easily folded into a compact position, using durable and breathable materials to ensure pet safety and minimize damage to objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid steel bars or hard plastic are used for crate construction, then structural strength and stability are improved, but storage space requirement and transport difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crate frame is divided into multiple collapsible sections with hinges connecting the members. The top and bottom members are segmented with hinge joints that allow the structure to be folded into a compact configuration for storage, while maintaining structural integrity when expanded for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The hinged connections enable the frame to change its configuration between an expanded usable state and a collapsed storage state, providing both strength when needed and compactness when not in use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid steel bars or hard plastic are used for crate construction, then structural stability is improved, but ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are segmented with hinge joints that enable easy folding and collapsing. This segmentation allows the stable structure to be easily disassembled into a compact form for transport, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure provides stability when in its expanded rigid configuration during use, but can be easily transformed into a compact dynamic configuration for transport. The hinged joints enable this dynamic transformation without compromising structural integrity during actual use.
3Strength
If rigid steel bars or hard plastic are used for crate construction, then housing durability is improved, but harm to pet during sudden stop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crate employs flexible panels made of soft material that can deform during sudden stops, absorbing impact energy and preventing injury to the pet. These flexible panels are attached to the rigid frame structure, combining the durability of the frame with the cushioning of flexible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible panels serve as pre-installed cushioning elements that will absorb impact forces before they can reach the pet. This beforehand cushioning protects the pet during sudden stops or drops without requiring additional protective equipment.
4Strength
If rigid steel bars or hard plastic are used for crate construction, then structural strength is improved, but damage to surrounding objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible panels act as a protective barrier between the rigid frame and surrounding objects. During handling, transport, or accidental drops, these flexible surfaces prevent the rigid frame from directly contacting and damaging furniture, car interiors, or other objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft flexible panels provide beforehand cushioning that prevents damage to surrounding objects. They absorb impact forces before they can be transmitted to the rigid frame or external objects, thereby protecting both the crate structure and surrounding environment.
5Ease of manufacture
If soft material with rigid frame is used for pet enclosure, then ease of storage is improved, but footprint and unwieldiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented with hinges that allow the structure to collapse into a compact configuration. This segmentation enables the crate to reduce its footprint significantly when collapsed for storage, while maintaining ease of storage through the simple folding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate provides a large usable footprint when expanded for pet housing, but can be dynamically collapsed into a compact form with minimal storage space. The hinged joints enable this dynamic transformation, resolving the contradiction between usable area and storage footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible soft crate comprising a frame having at least one top member, at least one bottom member, and at least two side members. The at least one top and bottom members are hinged along a length thereof. The at least one top member and the at least one bottom member are connected to the at least two side members. At least four panels are connected together and surround at least a portion of the frame. This configuration allows the crate to collapse more compactly than those in the art.