Modular Pet Cage Frame for Expandable Space and Free Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pet cages are rigid and not modifiable, making them unsuitable for customizable formats or expanding spaces for multiple animals, as they occupy fixed volumes and hinder animal movement with horizontal rods.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame system comprising interconnected modules with vertical walls made of mesh grids and flat bottom panels, allowing for horizontal and vertical expansion without horizontal rods, enabling customizable cage configurations that adapt to available space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-format cages are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different space requirements and animal numbers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple independent modules, each with a standardized base panel and vertical walls. These modules can be individually assembled and connected horizontally or vertically to create cages of various sizes and configurations, allowing adaptation to different space requirements while maintaining simple individual module structures
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized base panels and connecting mechanisms serve multiple functions: they form the foundation of each module, enable horizontal connection to expand cage width, allow vertical stacking to increase height, and provide a uniform interface for all connections. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If traditional cages with horizontal rods are used, then structural stability is maintained, but animal movement is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal rods that obstruct animal movement are completely removed from the cage interior. Instead, structural stability is achieved through the modular framework of vertical walls and base panels, with connections made at the module interfaces rather than through internal horizontal elements, thereby eliminating obstacles to animal movement while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support function is shifted from horizontal elements within the cage space to vertical elements and base panels that form the module framework. The stability is achieved through the three-dimensional arrangement of vertical walls and connecting bases rather than through horizontal rods, moving the structural function to different spatial dimensions
3Productivity
If fixed-volume modules are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but space utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cage configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Modules can be connected in different numbers and arrangements (horizontally or vertically) to create cages of varying volumes and shapes. This dynamic configurability allows optimal space utilization according to available space and animal needs, while the standardized module design maintains manufacturing simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A modular frame expandable to form a pet's cage comprises a plurality of modules each of which comprises a substantially quadrangular vertical wall, said modules being arranged adjacently to each other to define the outer shape of the cage, and wherein each vertical edge of each module comprises connecting elements adapted to allow the connection and retention of each vertical wall of a module to a vertical wall of another adjacent module. The modular frame is expandable on a horizontal plane according to a predetermined configuration to form a pet's cage having predetermined shape and dimensions.