Dual-Hardness Pet Chew with Luminescent Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet chews lack variety in texture and luminescence, failing to attractively engage both pets and their owners, particularly young dogs with underdeveloped teeth and older dogs with dental issues, and do not effectively extend playtime beyond twilight.
Innovation Solution
An animal chew comprising a core portion with a higher hardness and a body portion with a lower hardness, where the core can be luminescent and the body clear, made from materials like thermoplastic or thermoset materials, with edible resin compositions and additives such as starch, gluten, and humectants, using over-molding processes to create a durable and attractive chew toy that mimics food items or bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single hardness material is used for the entire chew toy, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot accommodate dogs of different ages and dental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The chew toy incorporates a dual-hardness structure where the core portion has a higher hardness (e.g., Shore D 70-90) and the body portion has a lower hardness (e.g., Shore A 40-60). This local differentiation allows the core to provide durable chewing surfaces for teeth development and maintenance, while the softer body provides comfort and safety for dogs with sensitive gums or dental issues, thus accommodating various age groups and dental conditions without requiring multiple separate products
2Illumination intensity
If the entire chew toy is made luminescent, then visibility in low light is maximized, but the material complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The luminescent property is applied locally to the core portion of the chew toy rather than the entire structure. The core contains luminescent materials (such as phosphorescent or fluorescent compounds) that provide visibility in low light conditions, while the body portion uses clear or translucent material that allows the luminescent core to be visible through it. This localized approach achieves effective visibility without the complexity and cost of making the entire toy luminescent
3Strength
If the core is made hard and durable, then it provides good chewing surfaces, but it may be too hard for young dogs with underdeveloped teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The chew toy uses a dual-hardness construction where the core portion has high hardness (Shore D 70-90) to provide durable, long-lasting chewing surfaces that resist wear and maintain structural integrity, while the body portion has lower hardness (Shore A 40-60) to provide a softer interface that is gentler on developing teeth and gums of young dogs. This gradient structure allows puppies to chew safely on the softer outer layer while still engaging with the durable core, and adult dogs can safely chew on both layers without risk of dental damage
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 chew toy provides a durable and attractive chewing experience for pets, engages owners by extending playtime, and is easier to spot in low light, enhancing interaction and exercise benefits for both pets and owners.
Implementation Method 1
the core may be luminescent... Chew toys providing luminescence may be easier for the pet owner to spot or retrieve. Luminescent chew toys may also provide the ability to extend outdoor play time past twilight.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an animal chew toy and a method of providing an animal chew toy wherein the toy has a body portion and a core portion. The core portion includes a first material including a central portion and a plurality of projections extending from the central portion. The body portion may surround the core portion, encapsulating the core or forming a frame around the core. The chew may be formed via a number of overmolding methods including those utilizing injection molding or extrusion techniques.