Packaged Pet Food Feeder With Locking Coupling for Clean Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaged food products for pets often result in users getting their hands dirty when squeezing out food, and there is a need for an economical and environmentally friendly solution to manage the food dispensing process.
Innovation Solution
A feeder for openable packaged food products featuring a feeding body with a coupling member and fixing element that allows the food package to be releasably connected, with optional locking mechanisms to secure the package to the feeder, preventing it from falling off during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the packaged food product is directly squeezed by hand, then the food can be dispensed to the pet, but the user's hands get dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feeder as an intermediary device between the packaged food product and the pet. The feeder includes a food storage area that receives the packaged food product, allowing the user to squeeze food into the storage area rather than directly onto hands. The packaged food product is releasably connected to the feeder through a coupling member with fixing element, enabling easy attachment and removal while maintaining hygiene during food dispensing.
2Ease of repair
If the packaged food product is releasably connected to the feeder, then the feeder can be reused, but the connection mechanism adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into separate functional components: a coupling member attached to the feeder and a fixing element on the packaged food product. This segmentation allows the packaged food product to be easily attached and detached while keeping the feeder reusable. The fixing element can be a simple structure such as a protrusion that fits into a corresponding recess, providing an easy-to-implement yet effective connection mechanism.
3Reliability
If a locking element is added to prevent the package from falling off, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking element can move between locked and unlocked positions. The locking element is configured to engage with the packaged food product when it protrudes from the food storage area, preventing it from falling off. This dynamic approach allows the locking function to be integrated into the existing coupling member structure without adding significant complexity, as the locking element utilizes the natural protrusion of the package rather than requiring a separate complex locking system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of pet products, and specifically to a feeder for an openable packaged food product. The feeder includes a feeding body. The feeding body includes a food storage area. A coupling member is provided on the feeding body. The coupling member includes a fixing element. A packaged food product is releasably connected to an end of the feeding body through the fixing element.