Modular Cat Track with End Caps for Ball Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cats easily get bored with the same toys, and existing entertainment toys fail to provide varied challenges to maintain their interest.
Innovation Solution
A modular cat track system composed of interchangeable sections that can be assembled in various configurations, including linear, curved, and combined with other toys like a spa and scratcher, featuring end caps that reverse the ball's direction, allowing cats to engage and propel a ball through the track without escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration toy is used, then the manufacturing and design are simple, but the cat gets bored easily and loses interest
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled in different configurations. Each section contains a ball channel and can be connected to other sections to form various track layouts, providing variety while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular track sections serve multiple functions: they form the ball channel structure, provide connection points for assembling different configurations, and can be combined with other cat toys. This universal design allows a single set of components to provide endless entertainment variety.
2Ease of repair
If the track is designed as a single piece, then the structure is simple, but cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The track is segmented into separate modular sections that can be easily detached from each other. This segmentation allows each section to be removed and cleaned independently, making maintenance simple while the modular connection structure keeps the overall device complexity low.
3Ease of operation
If the cover opening is large to expose the ball, then the cat can see and engage with the ball better, but the ball can escape from the track
Solution Approach 1:
The cover openings are strategically positioned and sized to provide local access points that allow the cat to see and reach the ball at specific locations along the track, while the overall track structure maintains ball containment. Each opening is optimized for its specific location to balance accessibility and security.
Data Source
AI summary
A cat track composed of several track sections (20) when attached end-to-end in other than an endless loop has end caps (22) to retain a ball (110) that rolls freely in the track. Assembled, the sections may be used together with a cat scratcher and/or a cat spa or other animal toy to increase the animal's interest. The sections (20) may be made in different shapes but are capable of being connected end-to-end to define a variety of patterns, either as an endless or open (non-continuous) track.