Gravity-Driven Pet Fetching Device with Randomized Chute Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet fetching devices often require human involvement, are not interactive, or rely on power sources, failing to provide sufficient exercise and mental stimulation for pets as they cannot predict the ejection path of projectiles.
Innovation Solution
An interactive, gravity-driven fetching device with a randomized output that allows pets to drop a projectile into a receiver, which is transported through a system of chutes to randomly eject it from one of multiple ports, eliminating the need for human interaction and power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a power source is used to launch projectiles, then the device can provide automated fetching action, but the device becomes dependent on battery or outlet power that may become depleted or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical power system (batteries or outlet) with a purely mechanical gravity-driven system. The ball is launched by releasing it from an elevated position in a chute, allowing gravity to propel the ball through the tube and out the nozzle. This mechanical substitution eliminates all power source dependencies while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the ball's own weight and the force of gravity acting on it to propel itself through the system. The ball serves its own propulsion needs by simply being positioned in the chute, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex mechanical launch mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the device simply dribbles the ball out, then the mechanism is simple, but it fails to attract and hold the attention of the pet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in terms of unpredictability by having the ball exit through one of multiple nozzles positioned at different locations and orientations. This asymmetric arrangement creates unpredictable trajectories that are highly engaging for pets, while the overall mechanism remains mechanically simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates dynamic behavior through the interaction of gravity with the chute geometry and multiple exit nozzles. The ball's path is continuously variable and unpredictable, creating an engaging experience for pets while maintaining a simple mechanical foundation.
3Device complexity
If the device uses fixed ejection paths, then the mechanism is simple, but the pet can predict the path and reduces mental stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates dynamic ejection paths by allowing the ball to be released at different positions and orientations within the chute system, combined with multiple nozzles at different locations. This results in variable trajectories that are unpredictable to the pet, providing mental stimulation while remaining mechanically simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric arrangement of multiple nozzles at different positions and orientations creates non-repeating ejection paths. This asymmetry ensures that even though the mechanism is simple, the output is highly variable and unpredictable, preventing the pet from learning and predicting the ball's trajectory.
4Device complexity
If human involvement is required to load or operate the device, then the device can be simple, but it reduces interactive exercise opportunities for the pet
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be fully self-operating through gravity. The user simply places the ball in the top opening, and the gravity-driven mechanism automatically propels the ball through the chute and out the nozzle without requiring any loading mechanisms, switches, or power source management. This maintains simplicity while achieving full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical loading and operating mechanisms by using pure gravity as the driving force. This substitution allows the device to be both simple in design and fully automated in operation, removing the need for human involvement in loading or controlling the ball ejection.
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
Provides both physical and mental stimulation for pets by ensuring unpredictable ejection paths, allowing for prolonged use without human involvement and ensuring pets actively engage in fetching, promoting exercise and entertainment.
Implementation Method 1
an interactive gravity-driven fetching device with a randomized output
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for interactive fetching for one or more participants, such as pets. In one implementation, a projectile, such as a ball, is received in a receiver and transported through an opening into a feeder of a randomizer. One of a plurality of chutes is randomly selected using gravity, and the projectile is transported from the feeder into the selected chute. The chute generates a smooth roll along a ramp to a port, from which the projectile is ejected along an ejection path for the participant to retrieve.