Multi-layered Pet Toy with Elastomeric Bite Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet toys are prone to destruction from prolonged biting and chewing due to their single-layer construction, lacking diverse stimulation sources, which limits their entertainment value and durability.
Innovation Solution
A pet toy with multiple modules featuring distinct layered constructions that deform and rebound to produce various sounds, including crackling, crunching, and squeaking sounds, enhancing durability and stimulation through elastomeric materials and strategically placed sound-producing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer construction is used for pet toys, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and construction is simplified, but the durability and resistance to biting and chewing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pet toy is divided into multiple distinct layers including an outer elastomeric layer, an intermediate layer with sound-producing elements, and an inner elastomeric layer. Each layer serves specific functions: the outer layer resists biting, the intermediate layer generates sounds, and the inner layer provides structural support. This segmentation allows the toy to maintain durability while incorporating diverse stimulation features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining different materials with distinct properties in a multi-layered structure. The elastomeric materials provide chew resistance and durability, while the intermediate layer contains sound-producing elements. This composite approach enables the toy to simultaneously achieve robustness against destruction and diverse interactive stimulation.
2Device complexity
If a single-layer construction is used for pet toys, then the device complexity is reduced, but the entertainment value and stimulation diversity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is segmented into functional layers where the intermediate layer specifically houses sound-producing elements such as squeakers or crackling materials. This segmentation allows for diverse stimulation sources without requiring complex integration of multiple separate components, maintaining relative construction simplicity while enhancing entertainment value.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layered construction enables the toy to perform multiple functions within a unified structure. The outer elastomeric layers provide chew resistance and structural integrity, while the intermediate layer delivers auditory stimulation. This multi-functionality increases adaptability and versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used for the pet toy, then the durability and resistance to biting action is improved, but the cost of materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material is applied selectively in specific layers (outer and inner layers) where maximum bite resistance is needed, rather than throughout the entire toy structure. This segmentation optimizes material usage by concentrating durable elastomeric materials at the surfaces most exposed to chewing forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines elastomeric materials with other materials in a composite multi-layered structure. The elastomeric layers provide bite resistance, while the intermediate layer contains cost-effective sound-producing elements. This composite approach balances material costs by using expensive durable materials only where necessary for functionality and durability.
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-layered pet toy design provides enhanced durability and longer-lasting interactions by offering diverse responses to animal interaction, increasing the toy's entertainment value and resilience against biting and chewing.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple layers within the pet toy are elastomeric such that the toy returns to its original shape after force is applied which deforms the pet toy. The deformation and rebound of the pet toy generates sound from one or more sound producing elements incorporated within the pet toy.
Data Source
AI summary
A pet toy includes an anchor member and at least one ring member connected thereto. The ring member has a noise making device. In one embodiment, the noise producing feature includes a squeaker protected within a housing disposed within the interior of the toy. In another embodiment, the noise producing feature includes multiple layers of material with one of the layers producing sound. When an outer shell of the ring member is deflected or compressed by contact, noise is produced by the noise making device.