Modular Pet Crate Wall Interlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular pet boxes for transportation are complex to assemble and disassemble, require tools, and occupy excessive space when disassembled, making them unsuitable for standard passenger cars.
Innovation Solution
The modular box features transversely directed holding and fixing means, such as hooks and cams, aligned in a straight line along the abutting edges of the box walls, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, with hooks on side walls and cams on the bottom and top walls, and ventilation holes to ensure animal safety and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If detachable connecting elements with multiple individual cells are used, then the box can be disassembled into separate walls, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connecting elements (hooks and cams) into a single integrated connection unit that operates together. The hook on one wall engages with the cam on the adjacent wall simultaneously, allowing all connections to be made by a single sliding motion rather than individual fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed to be self-securing through the interaction between hooks and cams. When walls are slid together, the cams automatically engage with the hooks and lock the connection without requiring additional tools or manual fastening steps. The system serves itself by using the relative motion of the walls to activate the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple individual cells with separate connecting elements are used, then the box provides secure connections, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the box walls to be nested within each other when disassembled. The flat walls can be stacked or placed edge-to-edge in a compact arrangement, significantly reducing the volume required for storage or transport compared to maintaining the expanded box configuration.
3Ease of operation
If hooks and cams are arranged in a straight line at uniform intervals, then assembly is simplified, but the connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple discrete hook-cam pairs arranged along the abutting edges. Each pair acts as an independent connection point, distributing the mechanical load across multiple locations rather than relying on a single strong connection. This segmentation maintains connection strength while allowing simple linear arrangement for easy assembly.
Data Source
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Figure 4a~4f
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AI summary
In a mobile crate, particularly for dogs and other pets, the crate walls are provided with interlocking connecting elements (2) at their abutting edges. These connecting elements (2) each have retaining means (3) and fixing means (5) directed transversely to them on the crate walls, by means of which the crate walls can be connected to or separated from their adjacent crate walls in such a way that this can be done, in particular, by hand without tools. The retaining means (3) preferably consist of hooks (4) and the fixing means (5) of projecting cams (6) provided on the end faces (14) of the crate walls and grooves (7, 8) in the edge faces (14) of adjacent crate walls arranged at right angles thereto, through which the hooks (4) and cams (6) can be inserted into these grooves (7, 8).