Wedge-Shaped Pet Door Chemical Applicator With Wick and Safe Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical applicators for pet doors face issues such as incompatibility with non-straight pet door edges, interference with door operation, water accumulation, sharp edges that can harm pets, difficulty in applying different chemicals simultaneously, and unsuitability for retrofitting existing doors.
Innovation Solution
A wedge-shaped chemical applicator with a planar front and rear, triangular sides, and a deformable body that compresses to eject powdered or liquid chemicals onto pets, featuring vents for powdered chemicals and a wick system for liquid chemicals, allowing for adherence to pet doors without sharp edges and enabling simultaneous application of multiple chemical types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a U-shaped applicator configuration is used to apply chemicals to pets, then chemical application is achieved, but water accumulates within the applicator causing chemical degradation and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator uses a curved, rounded configuration instead of sharp U-shapes, allowing water to drain away from the chemical reservoir while maintaining effective chemical application to the pet's coat. The curved surfaces prevent water accumulation pockets that would otherwise degrade the chemical.
2Area of stationary object
If the applicator extends to both sides of the door including the exterior, then chemical application coverage is improved, but rainwater accumulates causing chemical degradation and door corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed with differentiated zones where the chemical application surface extends to provide coverage, but the structure incorporates drainage features and protective barriers in specific locations to prevent water accumulation. The quality of the surface varies by location - application surfaces are exposed while structural areas are protected or draining.
3Manufacturing precision
If the applicator is installed on non-straight pet door edges to achieve proper positioning, then alignment is improved, but the applicator interferes with door closing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed with flexible or movable components that can adapt to the door's closing motion. The applicator maintains its positioning relative to the door surface while allowing the door to close freely, perhaps through elastic mounting or articulated joints that accommodate the closing arc without obstruction.
4Ease of manufacture
If sharp edges and protrusions are present on the applicator to provide structural definition, then manufacturing is simplified, but the pet is harmed or its collar is snagged
Solution Approach 1:
All edges and surfaces of the applicator are rounded and curved, eliminating sharp corners and protrusions that could harm the pet or snag collars. The curved design maintains structural integrity and manufacturability while ensuring pet safety through smooth, continuous surfaces throughout the applicator structure.
5Device complexity
If a single chemical reservoir is used to simplify the applicator design, then device complexity is reduced, but different types of chemicals cannot be applied simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates multiple separate chemical reservoirs or compartments within its structure, each capable of holding different types of chemicals. The segmented design allows simultaneous application of multiple chemicals through separate application surfaces or mechanisms, while the overall applicator remains integrated and manageable.
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 provides a safe, efficient, and versatile chemical application method that is compatible with various pet door designs, reduces the risk of harm to pets, and allows for the simultaneous application of different chemicals, improving operational reliability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
there is provided a liquid chemical applicator... the front comprises a slit having a planar wick therethrough and therealong, the extending through the slit so as to define an interior portion for being soaked by the liquid chemical within the reservoir and an exterior chemical application portion
Implementation Method 2
a wedge-shaped chemical applicator with a planar front and rear, triangular sides, and a deformable body that compresses to eject powdered or liquid chemicals onto pets
Data Source
AI summary
A chemical applicator for a pet door includes a substantially wedge shaped body defining a chemical reservoir therebetween. The wedge shaped body presents a ramped transition between the surface of the pet door above the chemical applicator and the front of the chemical applicator being devoid of substantial sharp edges of protrusions that may otherwise strike the pet or snag a collar of the pet as the pet brushes past the applicator. The front of the applicator includes a slit having a planar wick therethrough and therealong, the wick extending through the slit so as to define an interior portion for being soaked by a liquid chemical within the reservoir and an exterior chemical application portion. In use, as the pet brushes past the pet door and the chemical application portion rubs across the hide of the pet, applying the liquid chemical thereon.