Configurable Labyrinth for Small Pets Using Modular Maze System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet training and exercising equipment fails to provide sustained intellectual stimulation and exercise for small pets like cats and ferrets, leading to boredom, inactivity, and associated health issues such as lethargy and obesity.
Innovation Solution
A modular, interchangeable maze system composed of slotted rails, corner blocks, and flat panels that can be assembled into multiple configurations, allowing pets to explore and access various items like food, treats, and toys while maintaining interest through changing layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If permanent pet toys and structures are used, then initial pet enjoyment is provided, but the pet soon loses interest and motivation
Solution Approach 1:
The maze is divided into multiple separate box units that can be individually assembled and reconfigured. Each box is a discrete module containing panels that can be independently positioned, allowing the pet to explore different configurations without requiring a completely new structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels within each box are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned to create varying pathways and configurations. This dynamic capability enables the maze to change over time, maintaining the pet's interest through continual variation in the play environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable and interchangeable components are added to maintain pet interest, then maze reconfigurability is improved, but assembly and reconfiguration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated components. The panels serve multiple purposes: they form walls, create pathways, and can be positioned in different configurations. The corner blocks integrate connection and structural support functions, simplifying the overall assembly process despite the variability of configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The box units and panels are designed as universal modules that can be used in multiple configurations and positions. Each component can serve different functions depending on how it is assembled, allowing the same set of parts to create numerous different maze layouts without requiring specialized components for each configuration.
3Ease of operation
If standard box dimensions are used for interconnection, then ease of assembly is improved, but design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized box units function as nested modules where identical standardized components can be contained within or connected to form larger structures. The uniform dimensions allow smaller boxes to be integrated with larger configurations, creating complex three-dimensional mazes from simple repeating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The maze extends beyond two-dimensional平面 configurations by utilizing vertical stacking and three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the standardized boxes. The standard dimensions enable easy stacking in the vertical dimension while still allowing horizontal expansion, creating multi-level maze structures that increase design flexibility without complicating the basic interconnection system.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable labyrinth for an animal is stackable and has a support structure with a vertical column. A first connector is configured to connect to the first end of the vertical column. A second connector is configured to connect to the second end of the vertical column. A first horizontal platform support is configured to connect to the first connector and is configured to retain at least a portion of the first plate. A second horizontal platform support is configured to connect to the second connector and is configured to retain at least a portion of the second plate. A removable panel is configured to slidable traverse the track of the vertical column of the support structure, whereby at least a portion of an edge of the removable panel is retained in the track of the second horizontal platform support.


