Tool-Free Modular Treadwheel Assembly via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal treadwheels for medium-sized pets are difficult to assemble and require tools, leading to high manufacturing and shipping costs due to their large size and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting rigid cylindrical treadwheel assembly composed of a plurality of platforms and elongated curved connectors that can be assembled tool-free, forming a continuous cylindrical structure without auxiliary fasteners, allowing for compact shipping and easy assembly by snapping together the platforms and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional animal treadwheels are manufactured as complete units, then structural integrity is maintained, but shipping costs and complexity increase due to large size
Solution Approach 1:
The treadwheel is divided into multiple discrete components including platform segments, connector pieces, and base sections that can be separately manufactured and shipped in compact packages. These segments are designed to interlock through complementary geometric features such as tabs, slots, and friction-fit interfaces, enabling tool-free assembly by the end user while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
2Ease of operation
If treadwheels use complex assembly mechanisms, then structural rigidity is achieved, but ease of assembly deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly mechanism employs self-aligning geometric features such as tapered guides, complementary shapes, and friction-fit interfaces that automatically position and secure components without requiring external tools. The connectors are designed with built-in alignment features that guide platforms into correct positions during assembly, while spring-loaded or snap-fit mechanisms provide automatic locking to ensure structural rigidity.
3Ease of manufacture
If treadwheels are designed as single-piece structures, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but shipping efficiency decreases due to large size
Solution Approach 1:
The treadwheel is divided into multiple discrete components including platform segments, connector pieces, and base sections that can be separately manufactured and shipped in compact packages. These segments are designed to interlock through complementary geometric features such as tabs, slots, and friction-fit interfaces, enabling tool-free assembly by the end user while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed to nest within each other during shipping, with smaller parts fitting into cavities or compartments of larger components. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization in shipping containers and reduces the overall volume required for transportation and storage before assembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If treadwheels use multiple different parts, then assembly flexibility increases, but device complexity increases making assembly harder
Solution Approach 1:
The design employs a limited set of standardized connector types and platform interfaces that can accommodate different treadmill configurations and animal size requirements. The same basic connector design works for various platform sizes and arrangements, reducing the total number of unique parts needed while maintaining adaptability for different assembly configurations and applications.
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
The solution reduces manufacturing and shipping costs, enabling wider accessibility and use of treadwheels by eliminating the need for tools and complex assembly, while maintaining structural rigidity and allowing the treadwheel to spin freely for animal movement.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rollers, where the plurality of rollers are configured to roll against the plurality of curved bottom surfaces allowing the self-supporting rigid cylindrical treadwheel to spin freely
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rollers, where the plurality of rollers are configured to roll against the plurality of curved bottom surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A self-supporting rigid cylindrical treadwheel includes a plurality of identically-shaped platforms each having a curved surface. A first end of one platform is configured to be connectable to a second end of an adjacent platform in a repeatable manner where the plurality of platforms are configured to form a singular and continuous cylindrical structure. The treadwheel includes a plurality of identically-shaped elongated curved connectors. A connector extension of one connector is configured to be connectable to a connector recess of an adjacent connector in a repeatable manner where the plurality of connectors are configured to form a first and second singular and continuous ring. The first ring is configured to be attached to a right side of the cylindrical structure and the second ring is configured to be attached to a left side of the cylindrical structure.