Adjustable Pet Receptacle Arm for Stable Multi-Surface Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet food and beverage receptacles lack adjustability, limiting their versatility in positioning and usability on various surfaces, and do not allow for easy repositioning or cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable receptacle system comprising a base with a connector for a releasably adjustable arm member and a positionable receptacle at the arm's distal end, featuring edge toothed projections and complementary grooves for precise positioning adjustments, allowing the arm and receptacle to be moved to multiple desired positions using a bolt and nut mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed receptacle design is used, then the structure is simple, but the positioning flexibility and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle system is divided into separate components: a base, an adjustable arm member with multiple segments, and a receptacle. This segmentation allows each part to be independently positioned and adjusted, providing versatility while maintaining relatively simple individual components that connect through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm member is designed with movable joints and adjustable connections that allow it to transition between fixed and flexible states. The system can be dynamically reconfigured to different positions and angles, enabling adaptation to various surfaces and orientations while using simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the receptacle is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but repositioning and cleaning accessibility are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The arm member includes pre-positioned holes and attachment points that allow for quick repositioning without requiring complex tools or procedures. Users can easily move the receptacle to different positions by simply reattaching at different pre-configured points, maintaining stability while enabling easy repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms are designed to be easily detached and reattached, allowing the receptacle to be quickly removed for cleaning and then securely repositioned. The simple attachment and detachment process enables frequent repositioning while maintaining reliable connections during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the receptacle is integrated with the base, then the structure is simple, but cleaning accessibility and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the base, arm member, and receptacle into distinct components connected by simple mechanical interfaces. This segmentation provides adjustability and cleaning accessibility while keeping each component relatively simple in design, with the complexity distributed across multiple simple parts rather than one complex integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm member serves multiple functions: it connects the base to the receptacle, provides positioning adjustment, enables repositioning, and facilitates cleaning accessibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable receptacle for pet foods and beverages includes a base for supporting the receptacle on a horizontally disposed surface; on the base, a connector for attaching a releasably adjustable, positionable arm member to the base, and for releasably securing the arm member in a plurality of desired positions with respect to the base; a releasably adjustable, positionable arm member attached to the connector at the arm member's proximal end; and, attached to the distal end of the arm member, a releasably adjustable, positionable receptacle, configured to hold pet foods and beverages, in a plurality of desired positions at the distal end of the arm member.