Pet Structures With Integrated Track Toys for Flexible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet structures occupy significant floor space and lack adaptability to fit the unique dimensions of different living spaces, failing to provide versatile and space-efficient solutions for pet activity and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A pet structure system comprising a support structure, track members, spacers, and a track ball, which can be mounted on vertical or horizontal surfaces, allowing for adjustable and space-efficient arrangements that accommodate various living space configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional free-standing pet structures are used, then pets have structures to climb and hide within, but they occupy significant floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions pet structures from horizontal floor-based arrangements to vertical wall-mounted configurations. By mounting track members and platforms on vertical surfaces, the system utilizes the third dimension (height) to provide climbing and hiding structures without consuming valuable floor space, directly resolving the contradiction between providing pet structures and minimizing floor occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable components including movable platforms, adjustable track members, and repositionable support structures. These dynamic elements allow the pet structure system to be adapted to various wall surfaces and living space configurations, providing versatility while maintaining minimal floor space occupation through vertical mounting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pet structures are used, then pets have activities to engage in, but the structures cannot be adapted to fit unique living space dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pet structure into modular components including separate track members, platforms, support structures, and adjustable elements. Each segment can be independently configured and mounted on different wall surfaces, allowing adaptation to unique living space dimensions while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs that reduce overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal mounting components and standardized connection elements that can be used across different wall surfaces and configurations. The adjustable support structures and reconfigurable track members serve multiple functions including structural support, positioning, and adaptation to various geometries, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pet structure comprising a support structure, first and second track members, a spacer, and a track ball. The support structure comprises a rod member. The first and second track members are adapted to be supported by the support structure. Each track member defines a support opening sized and dimensioned to receive the rod member and a track member slot. The spacer defines a spacer opening sized and dimensioned to receive the rod member. The rod member of the support structure extends through the support opening formed in the first and second track members and the spacer opening defined by the spacer to support the first and second track members. The track ball is supported by the track member slots defined by the first and second track members for limited movement along a track path.