Twelve-device-in-one interchangeable pet crate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet crates lack versatility, ease of configuration, and functionality, failing to provide multiple uses such as a canopy, patio, balcony, hammock, and drying platform, while also not addressing issues like tick prevention and shock absorption.
Innovation Solution
A twelve-device-in-one pet crate system with interchangeable components including side and end frame supports, T-shaped connectors, adjustable leg supports, tick-blocking water-draining caps, and tray-locking shock-absorbing gussets, allowing configuration as various pet structures and incorporating waterproof toilets and air-flow openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pet crate design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks versatility and cannot provide multiple functions such as canopy, patio, balcony, hammock, and drying platform
Solution Approach 1:
The pet crate is designed with interchangeable components including side frame supports, end frame supports, T-shaped connectors, and adjustable leg supports that can be configured to create multiple functional structures such as canopy, patio, balcony, hammock, and drying platform, allowing a single base structure to serve twelve different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The crate is divided into modular interchangeable components (side frame supports, end frame supports, T-shaped connectors, adjustable leg supports) that can be reconfigured and rearranged to create different functional configurations, enabling versatility without requiring a completely different structure for each function
2Ease of operation
If a fixed rigid structure is used, then the crate provides stability and strength, but it cannot be easily folded or collapsed for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The frame supports and connectors are designed with movable joints and detachable connections that allow the structure to transition between rigid stable configurations for use and collapsed configurations for storage, providing both stability during operation and ease of folding for storage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional wire caps are used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot prevent ticks from entering the leg supports
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cap incorporates tick-blocking teeth that actively prevent ticks from climbing into the leg supports, converting a potential harmful factor (ticks) into a blocked threat through the mechanical barrier of the teeth, while the cap remains relatively simple in structure
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-draining structure is used, then the construction is simple, but it cannot drain water effectively leading to potential rusting
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cap structure incorporates openings and a wire-based construction that allows water to pass through and drain effectively, preventing water accumulation and rusting while maintaining structural integrity, with the porous wire structure providing drainage functionality
5Object-affected harmful factors
If no shock absorption is provided, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot protect pets from shocks during transport or when placed on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset structure is designed with shock-absorbing properties that cushion and dampen shocks and vibrations before they reach the pet, providing protection during transport or when placed on uneven surfaces through the inherent flexibility and energy-absorbing characteristics of the gusset construction
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
Enables multiple functional configurations, provides tick protection, and enhances pet comfort through shock absorption and ease of storage, addressing the limitations of prior pet crate designs.
Implementation Method 1
resist the warping forces, the twisting forces, the bending forces, the sliding forces, and the wobbling forces exerted on the panels
Implementation Method 2
resist the folding forces exerted on the panels and to return the multi-function tray-locking shock-absorbing gusset back to its former shape and dimensions
Implementation Method 3
lock the panels together and to absorb shocks and vibrations exerted on the panels
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A twelve-device-in-one interchangeable canopy-patio-balcony-windscreen-chair- awning-perch-tent-sled-stand-basket-hammock-bed pet crate comprises: top, bottom. left, right, front and rear panels, multi-pet crate divider, urine-waste- water-storing tray inserted inside the panels, first and second multi-pet doors hinged to. the twelve- device-in-one pet crate, interchangeable side frame supports, interchangeable end frame /supports,.interchangeable canopy-patio-balcony-windscreen-chair-awning- perch-tent-sled-stand-basket-hammock bed, waterproof toilets sewn to the bed, interchangeable straight -frame connectors and -interchangeable comer-frame connectors and interchangeable adjustable-leg :supports and interchangeable adjustable center-brace leg support attached to the bed to configure the bed into twelve different devices to function as a canopy, a patio, a balcony, a windscreen, a. chair, an awning, a perch, a pet tent, a sled, a stand, a basket, a pet hammock, a multi- position pet bed, a glooming platform, a drying platform, and a privacy screen.