Graspable Pet Toy Ball With Segmented Protuberances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pet toy balls are limited in size, making them difficult for pets to grasp and interact with, and are prone to being lost or damaged due to their small size and lack of durability.
Innovation Solution
A pet toy ball with integrated graspable protuberances, such as elongated flat surfaces or loops, extending from the ball surface, allowing pets to grip and play with the ball even if the ball is too large to fit entirely in their mouth, featuring a cover made of interlocking panels with stitching or gluing, and a bladder for inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ball size is increased, then the visual perception and durability are improved, but the ease of grasping by the pet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ball surface is segmented into multiple protrusions that extend outward, creating discrete graspable elements. Each protrusion can be independently grasped by the pet, allowing the overall ball structure to be larger while maintaining ease of interaction through these segmented grasp points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional element by extending protrusions outward from the ball surface in the radial direction. This transforms a two-dimensional spherical surface into a three-dimensional structure with graspable extensions, enabling pets to grasp the ball at multiple points along its surface without requiring the entire ball to be small.
2Strength
If the ball size is increased, then the durability is improved, but the ability of the pet to grasp the ball deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are constructed from materials with different local qualities than the ball core - specifically, a softer, more flexible material that is easier for pets to grasp and chew. This local quality differentiation allows the overall ball to be large and durable while the graspable portions are pet-friendly and easy to manipulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball employs composite material construction with a durable outer shell and flexible protrusions made from different materials. This composite structure combines the durability needed for large ball construction with the flexibility and softness required for safe pet interaction and grasping.
3Ease of operation
If the ball is made small for easy grasping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the durability and visual perception deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ball surface is segmented into multiple protrusions that extend outward, creating discrete graspable elements. Each protrusion can be independently grasped by the pet, allowing the overall ball structure to be larger while maintaining ease of interaction through these segmented grasp points.
4Ease of operation
If the ball is made small for easy grasping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual perception deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a dimensional element by extending protrusions outward from the ball surface in the radial direction. This transforms a two-dimensional spherical surface into a three-dimensional structure with graspable extensions, enabling pets to grasp the ball at multiple points along its surface without requiring the entire ball to be small.
Data Source
AI summary
A pet toy is provided having a plurality of graspable protuberances, each formed as an elongated substantially flat surface portion shaped as a rectangle or as a loop. Each protuberance is affixed at a first end to the ball element. Each protuberance adapted further forms an elongated substantially flat surface portion that is gripped in an animal's mouth such that when the spherical portion is gripped in an animal's mouth.