Dispenser Stabilization Mechanism With Expandable Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gravity dispensers for food or liquids are prone to being knocked over due to the imbalance in weight between the container and the tray or bowl, especially when pets interact with them, leading to spills and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization mechanism is introduced that includes a base portion with a retention device and stabilization mechanisms that expand the footprint of the dispenser when deployed, using connection and support elements to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the container is made heavy to hold food or liquid, then the dispensing function is improved, but the stability of the dispenser deteriorates because it can be easily knocked over by pets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the stabilization mechanism from a single-plane base to a three-dimensional structure by adding adjustable stabilizer legs that project downward and outward from the base. This creates a wider support polygon and lowers the center of gravity, addressing stability in the vertical and lateral dimensions without changing the container's weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer legs are designed to be adjustable in length and angle, allowing the stability characteristics of the dispenser to be dynamically modified based on the surface conditions and pet behavior. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization of stability without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the footprint of the dispenser is expanded to improve stability, then the resistance to being knocked over is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional stabilization components
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented from the main dispenser body into separate adjustable legs. Each leg operates independently and can be adjusted or removed as needed, allowing the stability function to be added without permanently complicating the integrated design of the entire dispenser system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer legs are designed to be easily adjustable by the user without requiring specialized tools or complex assembly procedures. The self-adjusting mechanism allows users to configure the stability features themselves, reducing the need for complex pre-configured stabilization systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed that includes a base portion comprising a retention device including at least one opening; and at least one stabilization mechanism, wherein each of the at least one stabilization mechanism comprises a connection element and a support element, wherein the connection element has a shape configured to be positioned in the at least one opening, and wherein the at least one stabilization mechanism provides stability for the apparatus when the at least one stabilization mechanism is deployed to a first position to expand a footprint of the apparatus. Other embodiments are disclosed.