Hinged Pet Pen With Absorbent Pad And Weighted Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pen devices for animals do not effectively manage pet urine in various locations over extended periods, particularly when the animal is unattended, as they lack efficient urine absorption and odor control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pen device with hingedly coupled walls forming a rectangular shape, a fluid-impermeable base, and a pad made of absorbent material infused with a chemical deodorant, along with a weighted insert to prevent displacement, facilitating urine absorption and odor reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional pen device is used for animals, then the animal can be contained in a sheltered space, but the device lacks effective urine absorption and odor control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous absorbent pad placed at the bottom of the pen enclosure. This pad contains multiple pores that enable it to absorb and retain urine through capillary action, effectively managing liquid waste while controlling odors by containing the urine within the porous structure rather than allowing it to pool and evaporate into the air.
Solution Approach 2:
The pen device combines multiple materials with different properties: a solid enclosure structure for containment, a porous absorbent material for urine management, and potentially odor-neutralizing materials. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously provide structural integrity, urine absorption, and odor control that a single material could not achieve alone.
2Device complexity
If the pen device is designed with simple structure, then it is easy to manufacture, but it cannot effectively manage pet urine over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The pen device is divided into distinct functional components: the enclosure structure for containment, the absorbent pad for urine management, and the weighting mechanism for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while keeping the overall design simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent pad acts as an intermediary element between the urine source and the base surface. It mediates the urine management function by absorbing and retaining urine, preventing direct contact between urine and the base, and controlling odor release. This intermediary component enables effective urine management without requiring complex mechanical or chemical systems.
3Device complexity
If the pad is placed on the base without fixation, then the device remains simple, but the pad can be displaced during animal movement
Solution Approach 1:
A weight is attached to the absorbent pad to counteract the forces that would cause displacement during animal movement. The gravitational force on the weight anchors the pad to the base, preventing it from shifting while the animal moves around. This simple weighting mechanism provides stable pad positioning without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems.
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 solution allows animals to relieve themselves safely and hygienically in various locations, including indoors and outdoors, by effectively absorbing urine and minimizing odors, ensuring cleanliness and comfort for both the animal and the environment.
Implementation Method 1
a pad is positionable on the base and the pad is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to absorb the pet urine
Implementation Method 2
the pad is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to absorb the pet urine
Data Source
AI summary
A pet pee pad pen assembly includes a pen which comprises a plurality of walls being hingedly coupled together. In this way the pen forms a rectangular shape to shelter an animal. A respective one of the walls has a plurality of openings each extending therethrough to facilitate the animal to enter or exit the pen. A base is provided that can be positioned on a support surface and the pen is positioned on the base. A pad is positionable on the base and the pad is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to absorb the pet urine. An insert is positionable on the pad thereby inhibiting the pad from being displaced on the base.