Gravity-Driven Pet Fetching Device with Randomized Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet fetching devices often require human involvement and rely on power sources, lacking interactivity and unpredictability, which limits their ability to provide sustained exercise and mental stimulation for pets.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-driven interactive fetching device with a randomized output system, where a pet drops a projectile into a receiver, which is transported through a feeder and chutes to randomly eject it through one of multiple ports, eliminating the need for electrical components and allowing pets to engage without human intervention.
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, but the device becomes dependent on battery or outlet power which may become depleted or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical power system with a purely mechanical gravity-driven system. The projectile is launched by gravitational force acting on a cam mechanism that converts vertical descent into horizontal ejection motion, eliminating the need for batteries or electrical outlets while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the weight of the projectile itself as the power source. As the projectile descends through the vertical chute, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy to drive the cam mechanism and eject the projectile horizontally, making the system self-powered without external energy sources.
2Device complexity
If the device simply dribbles the projectile out, then the structure is simple, but it fails to attract and hold the attention of the pet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the ejection pattern by using a cam mechanism with an eccentric radius that varies along the vertical chute. This creates non-uniform horizontal ejection distances, causing the projectile to land at unpredictable locations rather than following a consistent dribbling pattern, thereby increasing pet engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, predictable ejection pattern to a dynamic, variable one. The cam mechanism converts the vertical motion into variable horizontal ejection distances based on the cam's geometric profile, creating unpredictable trajectories that maintain pet interest while remaining within a simple mechanical framework.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are used for randomized output, then the pet cannot predict the ejection path, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ejection system into multiple independent vertical chutes, each leading to a separate port. This segmentation allows the single cam mechanism to serve multiple ejection paths simultaneously, achieving randomized output without requiring multiple complex mechanisms. Each chute can be independently positioned at different heights or angles to create varied ejection patterns.
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 device provides both physical and mental stimulation by ensuring unpredictable ejection paths, allowing pets to engage for extended periods without human involvement, promoting exercise and entertainment through interactive play.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity-driven interactive fetching device with a randomized output system
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for training, exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a device is presented with multiple outputs from which balls are ejected for pet retrieval. The device may include a receiving unit for receiving and transporting balls into the interior components of a device. A feeder coupled to the receiving unit for the transport of the ball to one of multiple ramps. The ramps configured to transport the ball down and out one of the multiple outputs located at the base of the device.