Single-Handed Pet Feeding Apparatus with Linked Piston and Activator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feeding apparatuses require two-handed operation, making it difficult and time-consuming to administer medicine to pets, especially as they may struggle during the process, and current devices often require significant force for pumping and discharging liquids, causing discomfort to the pets.
Innovation Solution
A single-handed animal feeding apparatus with a base, reservoir, piston, and activator mechanism, linked by a guiding gear and linkage member, allowing for easy movement of media in and out of the reservoir through a port, facilitating both intake from a supply source and dispensing to the pet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional two-handed feeding apparatus is used, then the feeding process can be completed with standard pumping and discharging mechanisms, but the operation becomes more difficult and time-consuming, especially when pets struggle during feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pumping and discharging operations into a single integrated mechanism. The first cavity with piston and second cavity with activator work together through a linkage member, allowing both functions to be controlled by a single hand operation, thus merging two separate operations into one unified system that reduces both time and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic movement of the piston and activator within their respective cavities. The linkage member translates the movement of one component into the opposite movement of the other, creating a dynamic system where the piston moves toward the reservoir to discharge while the activator moves away to pump, and vice versa. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid alternation between pumping and discharging phases, significantly reducing feeding time
2Power
If significant force is applied for pumping and discharging liquid through ordinary syringes, then the liquid can be delivered to the pet, but it causes discomfort and annoyance to the pets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feeding function into two separate cavities: the first cavity for discharging liquid and the second cavity for pumping liquid. Each cavity has its own piston or activator that operates independently but is coordinated through the linkage member. This segmentation allows the system to deliver adequate power for liquid delivery while distributing the force application across two separate mechanisms, reducing the discomfort caused by concentrated force
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage member acts as an intermediary between the piston and activator, coordinating their movements to achieve balanced force distribution. It translates the movement of one component into the opposite movement of the other, ensuring that pumping and discharging forces are applied in a coordinated manner that reduces harshness and discomfort to the pet during feeding
3Productivity
If a single-handed operation mechanism is implemented, then the feeding process becomes quicker and easier, but the device structure becomes more complex with additional cavities, linkage members, and guiding gears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the mechanism by introducing a second cavity adjacent to and communicating with the first cavity. The linkage member connects these cavities in a way that utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently. The guiding gear rotates around an axis perpendicular to the moving directions of the piston and activator, employing rotational movement in a different dimension to coordinate the linear movements of both components, thereby achieving single-handed operation without excessive complexity
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
Enables quicker and easier single-handed operation for administering medicine to pets, reducing the stress and time involved in the feeding process while allowing for both liquid and powder forms of medication.
Implementation Method 1
an linkage member formed between the first cavity and the second cavity, and configured to engage with the piston and the activator and guide the piston and the activator to move in two opposite directions
Data Source
AI summary
An animal feeding apparatus is related, including a base and a reservoir connected to the base, the medium in the reservoir is driven into or out of the reservoir through a port of the reservoir. The base includes a first cavity communicating with the reservoir, and a second cavity adjacent to and communicating with the first cavity. A piston is movable positioned in the first cavity, and having a first force end away from the reservoir. An activator is movable positioned in the second cavity, and having a second force end away from the reservoir. An linkage member is formed between the first cavity and the second cavity, and engages with the piston and the activator and guide the piston and the activator to move in two opposite directions to get the medium to move into or out of the reservoir. An animal feeding method is also related.