Collapsible Pet Crate with Roller Tracks and Bi-functional Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pet enclosures or crates are often heavy, difficult to operate, noisy, constructed from cheap materials, unattractive, and challenging to clean, which can lead to them being left dirty and difficult for pets to access.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible pet crate with a normally locked bi-functional handle, retractable latch handle, and side doors that open upward and slide into the crate, featuring a support frame with rollers and tracks for easy deployment and collapse, and a mesh network for pet containment, along with a puppy divider for training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional enclosures are constructed from durable materials, then reliability is improved, but weight increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crate is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connection points, allowing the overall structure to be broken down into manageable segments that are easier to handle while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate incorporates collapsible side panels with hinge mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between rigid and flexible states. During assembly and disassembly, the panels can flex and fold, reducing the force required to manipulate heavy components, while during use, the panels lock into rigid positions for stability.
2Reliability
If conventional enclosures are made heavy for durability, then reliability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crate panels utilize thin-walled but high-strength materials that provide sufficient structural integrity and durability while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional thick-walled constructions. The thin-walled design maintains strength through optimized geometry and material selection rather than increased thickness.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional enclosures use simple construction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panels serve multiple functions: they provide structural containment, offer aesthetic surfaces with integrated branding or design elements, and include built-in features like ventilation openings and attachment points. This multi-functionality is achieved through universal panel designs that can be configured in various arrangements while maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and aesthetic appeal.
4Reliability
If conventional enclosures are tightly sealed, then containment reliability is improved, but cleaning accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crate is constructed with separable panels that create accessible zones for cleaning. The segmented design allows cleaning tools to reach interior surfaces through panel gaps or by temporarily removing panels, while the connection points between panels maintain adequate sealing to prevent escape when properly assembled.
5Reliability
If conventional enclosures use fixed structure, then containment reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crate employs dynamic connection mechanisms that allow panels to be quickly assembled and disassembled or reconfigured. The connection system transitions from a fixed rigid state during use to a flexible reconfigurable state during assembly, enabling the same structure to adapt to different containment needs while maintaining reliability when assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible pet crate that is easy to operate, aesthetically pleasing, quiet, light, durable, easy to clean, and safe and comfortable for the animal. Also disclosed herein are methods of operating a collapsible pet crate. The collapsible pet crate disclosed herein can further include one-step operation, environmentally safe and pet-friendly materials, and method to include various pet-friendly accessories.