Foldable Pet Cage with Integrated Ramp Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet cages for vehicle boots pose difficulties for small or older animals to enter without damaging the bumper, as they require additional space-consuming ramps for easy access.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible pet cage design with interconnected sides and cylindrical pins that convert into a ramp for easy animal entry, protecting the bumper and minimizing space usage when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cage with fixed sides is used, then the cage structure is simple and stable, but it is difficult for small or older animals to enter without damaging the bumper
Solution Approach 1:
The cage incorporates movable sides (front and top) that can be opened to form a ramp structure. This dynamic configuration allows the cage to transform from a closed box into an accessible entryway, enabling small or older animals to climb in gradually without jumping from height and potentially damaging the bumper.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is divided into separable components with hinged connections between the base, lateral sides, front side, and top side. This segmentation allows the front and top sides to be independently opened and positioned at different angles, creating a safe ramp for animal entry while maintaining structural integrity when closed.
2Ease of operation
If an external ramp is added to facilitate animal entry, then animal entry becomes easier, but the device takes up extra space in the vehicle boot
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp function is merged into the cage structure itself. The front side and top side of the cage combine to form the ramp, eliminating the need for a separate external ramp device. This integration allows the ramp to be stored within the cage's own structure when not in use, maximizing space efficiency in the vehicle boot.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage serves multiple functions: it provides containment when closed and transforms into a ramp for easy entry when opened. The same structural components (front side and top side) that form the cage walls also create the ramp surface, making the cage a multi-functional device that eliminates the need for additional space-consuming equipment.
3Ease of operation
If the cage sides are made movable to create a ramp, then animal entry is facilitated, but the cage structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cage incorporates movable sides (front and top) that can be opened to form a ramp structure. This dynamic configuration allows the cage to transform from a closed box into an accessible entryway, enabling small or older animals to climb in gradually without jumping from height and potentially damaging the bumper.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is divided into separable components with hinged connections between the base, lateral sides, front side, and top side. This segmentation allows the front and top sides to be independently opened and positioned at different angles, creating a safe ramp for animal entry while maintaining structural integrity when closed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a cage for pets, in particular dogs, the cage being particularly adapted for transport in a vehicle boot. The goal of the invention is to provide a cage that will allow the animal to easily enter the cage when the cage is in the boot of a vehicle and damage to the bumper is prevented. The pet cage (1) of the invention comprises a base (2), a rear side (3) and two lateral sides (4) which are connected to each other, a top side (5) and a front side (6) which are connected to each other, two grooves (7) in the form of guides formed in both lateral walls (4) along outer free edges from the inner side of the lateral walls (4), and two cylindrical pins (8) connected at the distal edge of the top side with the top side (5) in a way to project laterally from each other and engage in the grooves. In addition, some embodiments relate to a foldable cage.