Modular Animal Habitat with Removable End-Walls and Side Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pet habitats for small animals like reptiles, amphibians, and rodents are not versatile, with fixed orientations and limited access options, posing escape risks and humidity issues.
Innovation Solution
The habitat design allows for vertical or horizontal orientation, features a side-wall door for easy access, an automatic cord/tubing routing mechanism, and removable end-walls with snap-in accessory mounting, enhancing humidity control and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a glass tank with ventilated lid is used, then the habitat provides basic enclosure and ventilation, but access to interior is limited to single side and requires lid removal, creating escape risks
Solution Approach 1:
The habitat is divided into modular components including removable end walls, side panels, and a base that can be separated into multiple sections. This segmentation allows access to the interior from multiple sides without requiring complete disassembly or lid removal, while maintaining secure closure when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
A door mechanism serves as an intermediary component that provides controlled access to the interior space. The door can be opened independently from the lid and other walls, allowing safe interaction with the animal inside without creating escape openings through cord or tubing passages.
2Ease of operation
If cords and tubing are passed between tank and lid, then power and air supply are provided, but this creates potential openings for animal escape
Solution Approach 1:
The cord and tubing routing is extracted from the lid structure and relocated to the base of the habitat. This removes the escape risk associated with lid openings while maintaining the necessary utility connections. The base routing allows cords and tubing to pass through secured channels without creating vulnerable openings.
3Stability of the object's composition
If tank walls are permanently fixed, then structural stability is maintained, but the habitat cannot be configured in different orientations or structures
Solution Approach 1:
The habitat walls are segmented into removable panels and modular sections that can be reconfigured. Each panel maintains structural integrity through secure joining mechanisms, while the modular design allows the entire habitat to be assembled in different orientations (vertical or horizontal) and configurations to suit various animal needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The habitat transitions from a static, fixed-structure design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Panels can be removed and repositioned, allowing the structure to adapt between different orientations and configurations while maintaining stability during use through secure fastening mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single orientation design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the habitat is not suitable for use in multiple orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The habitat employs asymmetric panel designs with standardized connection interfaces that allow flexible assembly. While individual panels may have asymmetric features for functional purposes (such as door hinges or accessory mounts), the overall system maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized components that can be assembled in multiple orientations using the same production processes.
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 design provides secure, adaptable, and humidity-controlled environments for small animals, reducing escape risks and accommodating various animal needs through multiple configurations and accessory attachments.
Implementation Method 1
The cord and/or tubing routing mechanism may comprise an aperture which is closeable with a spring loaded closure mechanism which closes around the cord/tubing automatically after it has been routed through the aperture in the end-wall.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal habitat arrangeable in a vertical or a horizontal orientation comprising a rectangular enclosure having four side-walls and two opposing end-walls, wherein the four side-walls are joined to a frame at a first end of the enclosure; and the two opposing end-walls comprise a first end-wall and a second-end wall; wherein the first end-wall is releasably connectable to the frame, positionable within the frame in a plurality of orientations and provides an end-wall door with access to an interior of the rectangular enclosure; wherein at least one of the side-walls provides a side-wall door with access to the interior of the rectangular enclosure and has a hinge position which is changeable along opposite side-walls of the enclosure.