Nested Cylinder Dispenser for Controlled Pellet Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal food dispensers are fixed and do not encourage physical activity or slow down the ingestion rate of pellets in animals, particularly sedentary ones.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a central part comprising nested cylinders and wheels, where the animal must roll the device to align and release pellets through manually adjustable holes, promoting physical effort and controlled feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed food dispenser is used, then the device is simple and stable, but the animal does not engage in physical activity and eats too quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static fixed dispenser into a dynamic movable device by adding wheels to the base. The dispenser can now be rolled across the floor by the animal, converting it from a stationary object to a mobile one that requires physical effort to operate, thereby increasing the animal's physical activity while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is divided into functional segments: a movable base with wheels for transport, a removable container for food storage, and a dispensing mechanism. This segmentation allows the animal to move the base independently while the food container remains stationary during dispensing, combining mobility with controlled delivery
2Device complexity
If a fixed food dispenser is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ingestion rate of pellets is too fast
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism releases pellets periodically rather than continuously. As the animal rolls the dispenser, pellets are dispensed in intervals through the opening in the container base, creating a rhythm of consumption that naturally slows the ingestion rate while keeping the overall device structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser transitions from a static continuous-dispensing structure to a dynamic periodic-dispensing system where the motion of rolling the device controls the timing and rate of pellet release, thereby regulating ingestion speed without complex mechanical additions
3Productivity
If the dispenser is made movable with wheels, then physical activity is encouraged, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the container, acts as a platform for the dispensing mechanism, and functions as a mobile unit with wheels for transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining relatively simple device structure while enabling mobility and physical activity
Solution Approach 2:
The container is positioned within or upon the base structure, with the dispensing mechanism nested within the container assembly. The wheels are attached to the base, creating a compact nested arrangement where components are integrated rather than separate, minimizing overall complexity while achieving the desired functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A device which dispenses pellets when rolled by an animal includes a central part having two cylinders, one of which is nested inside the other, which are equipped with holes of the same size. All or some of the holes in the two cylinders can be aligned more or less completely by manually rotating the external cylinder around the internal cylinder, such that a given number of pellets are released from the central part each time the device is rotated. The device also includes two wheels, one of which is equipped with a stopper. The two wheels are fixed to the ends of the internal cylinder by screwing or gluing and with the aid of a double bayonet, and the cylinders are maintained in the selected relative position by a gear tooth system. The device is particularly suitable for use as a toy, for exercise and to slow down ingestion.