Compressible Dog Chew with Elastomeric Bladder and Hard End Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog chews often lack structural integrity, are prone to breakage during handling and shipping, and may not cater to the varying chewing preferences of dogs, including those with dental issues, and have a short shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A molded dog chew design featuring a softer, compressible central portion with an elastomeric bladder and harder, more durable end caps, connected by a shaft, allowing for easy assembly and attachment methods like insert molding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical attachment, with the central portion being shaped like sports balls for added appeal and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single hard material is used for the entire chew toy, then durability is improved, but it becomes unsuitable for dogs with dental issues or young dogs with developing teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The chew toy incorporates different materials with different hardness levels in different regions: harder material (e.g., nylon) for the end caps to provide durability, and softer material (e.g., polyurethane) for the central portion to be gentle on teeth and gums. This allows the same product to suit dogs with varying dental conditions and chewing preferences.
2Ease of operation
If a single soft material is used for the entire chew toy, then comfort for dogs with dental issues is improved, but structural integrity and resistance to breakage during handling and shipping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chew toy incorporates different materials with different hardness levels in different regions: softer material (e.g., polyurethane) for the central portion to be comfortable for dogs with dental issues, and harder material (e.g., nylon) for the end caps to provide structural integrity and resistance to breakage during handling and shipping.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If edible materials are used for the chew toy, then health benefits are improved, but shelf life deteriorates requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The chew toy combines natural chewable materials (like rubber or polyurethane) with synthetic durable materials (like nylon). The natural material portion provides health benefits and is safe for chewing, while the synthetic nylon portions provide durability and extended shelf life, eliminating the need for frequent replacement.
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 design provides a durable, long-lasting chew that accommodates different chewing preferences, reduces breakage, and offers enhanced oral health benefits through varied textures and shapes, while the elastomeric bladder allows for compressibility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the central portion may comprise a composite of an outer layer, which overlies a bladder, the bladder overlying but spaced from the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an animal chew comprising an elongated central portion of a first material and a pair of end caps of a second material. The end caps may be connected by a shaft and may vary from the central portion or from each other by one or more properties such as, color, texture, hardness, toughness, functionality, flavor, odor or moisture level. The central portion of the dog chew may comprise a bladder, or a composite of materials such as one or more layers overlying the bladder, having an attractive design in the shape and/or texture of, e.g. a sports ball. The composite may comprise a soft or even fibrous cover overlying an elastomeric bladder, the bladder formed to fit relatively loosely over the shaft, the composite providing a soft and easily compressed central portion compared to the end caps.