Floating Pet Toy with Density-Gradient Composite Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating pet toys lack durability and visibility in water, making them difficult for pets to locate and retrieve effectively.
Innovation Solution
A floating pet toy design featuring a first member with a density less than 1.0 gram/cubic centimeter encapsulated within a second member with a density greater than 1.0 gram/cubic centimeter, allowing the toy to float in water with a specific orientation where one end rises above the other, enhancing visibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hollow deformable body with closed cell foam is used to increase buoyancy, then the pet toy floats better, but the resistance to deformation is limited and the toy may be easily compressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a buoyant material (closed cell foam) with an outer shell material to create a composite structure. The foam provides buoyancy while the outer shell provides structural strength and resistance to deformation, resolving the contradiction between floating capability and durability.
2Reliability
If an airtight buoyant floatation bladder is used, then the pet toy achieves good floatation, but if the bladder is punctured the toy loses its floatation ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an outer shell that encloses the buoyant material, creating a protected flexible structure. This shell protects the internal buoyant components from puncture while maintaining the floatation ability, resolving the vulnerability issue.
3Ease of operation
If disc-shaped or boomerang-shaped throw-toys are used, then the toys have good throwing characteristics, but they are difficult for pets to locate in the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high-visibility colors or patterns to the outer shell of the toy, making it easily detectable by pets in the water while maintaining the desired throwing shape and characteristics.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the pet toy is designed to float upright due to material density, then the toy is easier to locate, but the durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where the outer shell provides structural durability and the internal buoyant material provides the density differential needed for upright floating, resolving the contradiction between visibility and durability.
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 design ensures the pet toy is easily visible and retrievable by pets, providing improved durability and biting characteristics, with the second member's higher density causing it to sink slightly, making the first end more visible and enticing for pets to grasp.
Implementation Method 1
the first member is formed of a first member polymer composition having a density less than 1.0 gram/cubic centimeter
Implementation Method 2
the second member is formed of a second member polymer composition having a density greater than 1.0 gram/cubic centimeter; wherein the second member weighs down a second end of the pet toy in water such that a first end of the pet toy rises above the second end of the pet toy
Data Source
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AI summary
A pet toy to aid a pet in developing retrieval skills comprising a first member at least partially encapsulated within a second member; wherein the first member is formed of a first member polymer composition having a density less than 1.0 gram/cubic centimeter; wherein the second member is formed of a second member polymer composition having a density greater than 1.0 gram/cubic centimeter; wherein the first member and the second member are provided at a weight ratio such that the pet toy floats when placed in water; and wherein the second member weighs down a second end of the pet toy in water such that a first end of the pet toy rises above the second end of the pet toy.