Modular Cat Climbing Structure with Wall-Mounted Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cat recreation structures are cumbersome, difficult to transport and assemble, and often damage household furnishings, while also being non-biodegradable and unsuitable for small living spaces.
Innovation Solution
Modular, tool-free cat recreation structures with partial cylindrical sections that can be removably mounted to household structures like walls or door frames, using a rough external surface for climbing and scratching, and composed of recyclable materials to minimize space and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional cat recreation structures are made large and sturdy, then they provide sufficient space for cat activities, but they become difficult to transport and consume excessive floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The cat recreation structure is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled together to create sufficient activity space while allowing individual sections to be easily transported. Each section can stand alone or combine with others, resolving the contradiction between providing adequate space and maintaining transportability.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional cat recreation structures are made large and stable, then they provide adequate climbing space, but they become difficult to assemble and dispose of
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into standardized modular sections with consistent connection interfaces, enabling easy assembly and disassembly. Each module can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled to create the full climbing structure, resolving the contradiction between providing adequate climbing space and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are designed to nest within each other when disassembled, with smaller components fitting inside larger ones. This nesting capability reduces the overall volume during storage and transport while maintaining the full climbing space when assembled, resolving the contradiction between climbing space and assembly ease.
3Volume of moving object
If free-standing floor-to-ceiling structures are used, then they provide extensive climbing opportunities, but they become unstable and pose safety dangers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple modular sections are combined and connected to form a stable interconnected structure. The distribution of weight and connection points across multiple modules enhances overall stability compared to a single free-standing structure, providing extensive climbing opportunities while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from floor-based to wall-mounted configuration, utilizing the vertical wall surface rather than occupying floor space. This dimensional change provides extensive climbing opportunities while the wall mounting inherently provides greater stability than free-standing structures.
4Volume of moving object
If conventional cat recreation structures are made bulky, then they provide sufficient activity space, but they consume excessive floor space in small apartments
Solution Approach 1:
The cat recreation structure is mounted on vertical wall surfaces rather than occupying horizontal floor space. This dimensional transition allows cats to have extensive activity space in the vertical dimension while minimizing the footprint on the floor, resolving the contradiction between activity space and floor space consumption in small apartments.
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 modular design allows for easy installation and removal without damaging the household structure, consuming minimal space, and is environmentally friendly, providing cats with exercise opportunities while being easy to transport and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the one or more sections may comprise a rough external surface, such as a carpeted surface, having a sufficient coefficient of friction to enable common cat activities such as climbing and/or scratching.
Implementation Method 2
first and second engagement surfaces disposed on terminal edges of the first and second opposing arms are configured to apply a biasing force against first and second opposing surfaces of the household structure when the portion of the household structure is inserted into the slot, to thereby secure the section in place against the household structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a modular cat recreation structure comprising: one or more sections configured to be removably mounted to a household structure, wherein each of the one or more sections comprises: an external surface; first and second opposing arms defining a slot therebetween; a hollow central opening continuous with the slot and configured to accommodate a portion of the household structure therein; first and second engagement surfaces disposed on terminal edges of the first and second opposing arms and configured to apply a biasing force against first and second opposing surfaces of the household structure when the portion of the household structure is inserted into the slot; first and second projections extending axially away from the first and second opposing arms, the first and second projections being operable to adjust a width of the slot via application of first and second opposing forces to the first and second projections.