Modular Rabbit Cage with U-Profile Interlocking System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rabbit cages provide insufficient living space, which can be harmful to the health and welfare of pets, and using larger fixed cages is not feasible due to space constraints in many homes.

Innovation Solution

A modular cage system that allows two or more cages to be connected, doubling the available space by using a modular bottom design with interchangeable sides and a U-shaped profile for secure locking, enabling easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a larger fixed cage is used to provide sufficient living space for the pet, then the living space is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements for the home increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliving spaceVSAvoidcage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cage is divided into multiple modular units (single cage, double cage, triple cage configurations) that can be assembled together. Each module contains standardized components including grill cages, basin-shaped bases, and connecting mechanisms. This segmentation allows the living space to be expanded from one to three times the original size while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cage system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The modular design with removable and interchangeable sides, tops, and bases enables the cage to be assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured according to space availability and pet needs, providing adaptability without requiring a permanently large fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular system is used to reduce space requirements and increase adaptability, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage configurationVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular cage system employs universal components that serve multiple functions. The standardized connecting mechanisms, interchangeable sides, and modular bases can be configured in various arrangements (single, double, triple cages) to create different living space configurations. This universality allows a single set of components to provide multiple cage configurations, reducing the need for separate specialized structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cage modules are merged together through standardized connecting mechanisms to form larger living spaces. The system combines individual grill cages, bases, and sides into integrated configurations where components from different modules work together seamlessly, creating expanded living environments while maintaining the benefits of modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of moving object

If the cage is designed as a single large fixed structure, then the living space is maximized, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliving spaceVSAvoidcage production
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into standardized module production. Individual grill cages, basin-shaped bases, and side panels are manufactured as separate standardized components using consistent processes and materials. This segmentation enables parallel production, quality control, and simplified assembly compared to manufacturing a single large fixed structure, while still achieving the same total living space when modules are combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2849557B1Modular cage for pets, in particular rabbits
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 FERPLAST SRL
  • EP2849557B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2849557B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2849557B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A cage (10) for rabbits or similar pets comprising a grill element (11) generally having a rectangular shape and which can be curved or shaped at the top as required, and where the grill element is applied to the top edge of a basin-shaped tray with modular walls and where this base comprises a bottom surface (13) and side walls (14, 15) which respectively form the long sides and the short sides of the tray, where the cage can be joined to at least one further cage alongside, where the cages are joined by removing from each of the cages their respective vertical wall (15) on the joining side, preferably the short side but also the long side, and where the two trays are held together by a specially shaped horizontal profile (18) with an upturned "U" shape comprising the two vertical sides (19) which overlap on the joined edges of the tray bottoms positioned side by side.