Modular Pet Enclosure with Segmented Wildlife Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions, such as doggie doors, do not provide adequate protection from wildlife threats and weather conditions for pets, and fail to prevent accidents on indoor surfaces due to unrestricted access, posing risks for small dogs and cats.

Innovation Solution

A secure outdoor enclosure system comprising modular panels and line posts, which can be easily assembled and disassembled without tools, providing a safe barrier against wildlife and weather, and integrating with existing doggie doors for controlled pet access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a doggie door is installed to allow pets free access, then pet convenience and owner absence tolerance improve, but safety from wildlife attacks and weather protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepet access convenienceVSAvoidwildlife attack risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outdoor space is segmented into a safe enclosed area and the rest of the yard. The enclosure creates a controlled environment where pets can access the outdoors through the doggie door while being protected from wildlife threats. This segmentation allows free access convenience while eliminating safety risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a doggie door is installed for pet access, then pet freedom of movement improves, but indoor cleanliness and accident prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepet movement freedomVSAvoidindoor accidents
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure acts as an intermediary space between the indoor environment and the outdoor yard. Pets use this intermediate area to relieve themselves before returning indoors, preventing direct access to indoor flooring and carpets. This mediator space maintains pet freedom while eliminating indoor accidents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional fence is used to protect pets, then safety from wildlife improves, but portability and ease of assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewildlife protectionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure system transitions from static traditional fences to dynamic, movable panels that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The modular design with interlocking panels provides the same wildlife protection as permanent fences but with the flexibility to be reconfigured or stored as needed, eliminating assembly complexity issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11716966B2Secure enclosure for pets
Publication Date: 2023.08.08 PILIERO MELINA DANI
  • US11716966B2 patent drawing
  • US11716966B2 patent drawing
  • US11716966B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A secure enclosure for pets which permits pet owners who have installed a “doggie door” to remove the threat of coyotes and other wildlife from attacking small dogs and cats.