Elastomeric Web Launcher for Pet Toy Launching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet toys do not effectively facilitate the launching of odd-shaped and stuffed toys for both dogs and cats, which are essential for their stimulation and exercise, as existing products mainly focus on balls and lack mechanisms for heaving such items over a considerable distance without straining the user.
Innovation Solution
A pet toy design featuring a stretchable elastomer web with a loop at one end, allowing users to insert their finger and pull back to launch the toy, reducing muscle strain and enabling longer-distance throws by utilizing the elastomeric properties to disengage the loop and propel the toy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional ball or odd-shaped toy is thrown by hand, then the user can control the throw, but the throwing distance is limited by the user's arm length and muscle strain
Solution Approach 1:
The stretchable member acts as an intermediary between the user and the toy. The user pulls the stretchable member (which is attached to the toy), and the elastomeric web stores and releases energy to propel the toy, reducing the direct muscle strain required to throw the toy far distances
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchable member changes its physical state (length, elasticity) during operation. When pulled, it elongates and stores elastic energy, then releases this energy to propel the toy, effectively changing the parameter of energy storage and release to achieve greater throwing distances with less strain
2Ease of operation
If a stretchable member with loop is used to launch the toy, then the throwing distance increases and muscle strain decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stretchable member is constructed as a flexible elastomeric web that can be easily attached to various toy configurations. This flexible structure allows the toy to maintain its original shape while adding the launching mechanism, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchable member with loop can be attached to various types of toys (balls, odd-shaped toys, stuffed animals) making it a universal launching mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for different mechanisms for different toy types, effectively managing complexity through standardization
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
Enables efficient launching of pet toys over greater distances, reducing user muscle strain and catering to both dogs' exercise needs and cats' instinctual hunting stimulation, while being adaptable to various toy configurations.
Implementation Method 1
said stretchable member being an elastomer comprising a web having first and second ends, said first end being appended to said head section and said second end transitioning to a loop
Data Source
AI summary
A pet toy having a body which includes a head section and a tail section. A stretchable member extends from and is fixedly attached to the head section. This stretchable member is an elastomer having a web with first and second ends, the first end being appended to the head section and the second end transitioning to a loop, the loop having an opening sized to receive the finger of a user.