Convertible Pet Carrier Panels Transitioning to Bed Mat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional bags and pet carriers are unsuitable for transporting pets due to damage from claws and teeth, uncomfortable designs that cause strain, and lack of versatility for use as both transport and bedding, while traditional pet-carriers are bulky and difficult to use.

Innovation Solution

A multi-purpose apparatus with panels that transition between a closed position for containing animals and an open position as a bed mat, featuring a zipper fastener, protective edges, and flexible design for easy access and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional bags/purses are used to transport pets, then they can carry personal items, but the interior fabric is damaged by claws and teeth and absorbs bodily fluids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability against pet claws and teethVSAvoidfabric integrity and fluid absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bag interior uses a combination of materials: a durable outer shell resistant to claws and teeth, and a removable protective liner that prevents direct contact between pets and the main fabric. This composite approach maintains durability while preventing fluid absorption into the primary structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The interior is divided into separate components including a removable liner or mat that can be easily detached for cleaning or replacement. This segmentation isolates the harmful effects of claws and fluids from the main bag structure, preserving its integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If traditional bags/purses have thin and sharp edges, then they maintain structural integrity, but they irritate the pet's neckline when hanging head over sidewalls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge structural integrityVSAvoidneckline irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Protective elements such as soft trim, piping, or cushioned edging are applied to the bag openings before use. These pre-installed protective features maintain the structural strength of edges while preventing direct contact between sharp edges and the pet's skin, eliminating neckline irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional bags/purses have sidewalls taller than the pet's head, then they provide containment, but they cause pets to stand-up and extend necks leading to discomfort and strain injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment effectivenessVSAvoidpet strain and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bag sidewalls incorporate flexible, collapsible sections or adjustable height features that allow the containment structure to adapt to the pet's size and posture. This dynamic design maintains containment effectiveness while preventing excessive height that would force the pet into strained positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If traditional pet-carriers have small door-like openings, then they provide secure containment, but they make placing and removing objects difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment securityVSAvoidobject access efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The opening mechanism transforms from a fixed small door to a dynamic system with an expandable frame and adjustable opening size. This allows the opening to expand for easy access when needed and contract to maintain secure containment during transport, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening is divided into multiple sections or panels that can be independently adjusted or opened. This segmentation allows for flexible access configurations - small sections can remain closed for security while larger sections open for easy object placement and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional pet-carriers include bedding within containment chambers, then they provide comfort, but they are bulky and take up large volume of space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepet comfortVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bedding is separated from the main carrier structure as a removable, foldable component. This allows the bedding to be stored compactly within the carrier when not in use and easily deployed when needed, providing comfort without permanently increasing the carrier's bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bedding incorporates collapsible or compressible features that allow it to occupy minimal space during transport and expand to provide full comfort when the pet is using it. This dynamic volume adjustment resolves the contradiction between comfort provision and space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11690353B2Apparatus and method for transporting an animal

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 BARKBOX INC

AI summary

An apparatus for transporting an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a plurality of panels that are operative to transition between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the panels define a cavity that is configured to contain an animal. In the open position, the panels define a bed mat.