End table for crating a pet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pet crates occupy space and lack aesthetic appeal, failing to provide a functional and visually pleasing solution for pet containment in homes.
Innovation Solution
A pet crate designed as an end table with a sliding door that can rotate between open, closed, and stowed positions, integrating into a home's décor while maintaining a secure pet enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pet crate is used, then the pet is securely contained, but the crate occupies excessive space and lacks aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The pet crate is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both a secure pet enclosure and a decorative end table. The crate structure integrates with a table top and storage compartment, allowing it to fulfill multiple functions (pet containment, furniture, and storage) within a single space-efficient design.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is nested within the crate structure, allowing it to slide horizontally and rotate vertically to achieve a stowed position that is integrated into the crate's side panel. This nesting approach allows the door to be concealed within the overall footprint of the end table when not in use.
2Reliability
If a conventional pet crate is used, then the pet is securely contained, but the crate is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The crate is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both a secure pet enclosure and a decorative end table. The crate structure integrates with a table top and storage compartment, allowing it to fulfill multiple functions (pet containment, furniture, and storage) within a single space-efficient design.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate components (side panels, door, table top) can be finished in various colors and materials to match different home décors. The integration of wooden or upholstered surfaces allows the crate to blend aesthetically with surrounding furniture while maintaining secure containment functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the door is designed to slide and rotate, then access to the pet is improved, but the door mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to slide horizontally along tracks and rotate vertically on hinges. This dynamic design enables the door to transition between closed, open, and stowed positions, providing flexible access to the pet while maintaining a clean appearance when stowed.
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: horizontal sliding tracks, vertical rotation hinges, and latching systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while providing smooth, multi-stage door operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An end table for crating a pet includes a first side panel and a second side panel. The second side panel is laterally spaced from and parallel to the first side panel. The end table additionally includes a bottom panel, a top panel and a rear panel. The rear panel laterally extends between rear ends of the first and second side panels. The end table further includes a door carried by the first side panel for sliding movement between a stowed position and an open position and for rotational movement between the open position and a closed position in which the door closes an opening laterally between front ends of the first and second side panels. The first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel, the bottom panel, the top panel and the door cooperate to define an enclosed area for the pet.