Multi-layer inflatable pet toy with rubber liner and flexible outer layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inflatable pet toys are rigid, lack elasticity, and are often heavy and monotonous in design, leading to insufficient interaction with pets and potential harm when thrown, as they are typically single-layer and poorly aesthetic.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer inflatable toy design featuring a rubber liner, a flexible intermediate layer, and a surface covering made of materials like fabric or rubber, with a lug structure for enhanced interaction, manufactured through a process involving vulcanization and air filling to create a durable, stylish, and floatable product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional rubber products are made heavy to be tough and bite-resistant, then durability is improved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoughness and bite-resistanceVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The toy is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner rubber liner for durability and bite-resistance, and outer flexible or elastic layers for toughness. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in specific functions without requiring the entire product to be heavy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structure combining rubber material for the liner with flexible material or elastic material for the intermediate and surface layers. This composite approach achieves both toughness and light weight by selecting materials with complementary properties rather than relying on a single heavy material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If blow molding products are used, then manufacturing is simple, but safety deteriorates due to rigidity causing injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinjury risk from rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces rigid blow molding with a flexible inflatable structure. The outer layers are made of flexible material or elastic material that can deform upon impact, and the inflatable nature provides cushioning effect, eliminating the injury risk associated with rigid plastic while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If single-layer structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but aesthetic appeal and interaction quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal and style variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The toy is segmented into multiple layers with different functions and materials. The intermediate layer can be made in single-layer or multi-layer structure with different fabrics or materials, allowing for varied textures, patterns, and aesthetic appeals while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional rubber products are fixed in style, then manufacturing is simple, but pet interaction quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinteraction quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an inflatable structure that can change its physical state between deflated and inflated conditions. This dynamic characteristic allows the toy to adapt to different interaction scenarios - deflated for storage and transport, inflated for active play - thereby enhancing interaction quality without significantly complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 multi-layer structure enhances durability and elasticity, reduces the risk of harm, allows for easy carrying and various shapes, and improves aesthetic appeal, enabling safer and more engaging interactions between pets and owners.

Implementation Method 1

closing and putting the mold into a vulcanizer to vulcanize the webs by heating and pressurizing, the temperature used being 110° C. to 200° C.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVulcanization:

Implementation Method 2

putting the mold into a vulcanizer to vulcanize the webs by heating and pressurizing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

the product is light and can float on water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS10154652B2Multi-layer inflatable toy and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 TONGFU MFG

AI summary

The present invention discloses a multi-layer inflatable toy and a manufacturing method thereof. The toy comprises a liner, an intermediate layer and a surface covering; the liner is filled with air, and the intermediate layer is arranged between the liner and the surface covering; the liner is made of rubber material, and the intermediate layer and the surface covering are made of flexible material or elastic material; and the intermediate layer may be of a single-layer or multi-layer structure. In the present invention, a pet toy of a multi-layer structure is manufactured by using a liner inflating process, so that the product is light and can float on water, thus the problem that the toy cannot be retrieved or used continuously after falling into water is avoided, and the harm to people and objects by throwing is avoided.