Pet Running Ball Pivot Structure for Direction Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pet toys do not allow pets to change directions during use, limiting their exercise variety and fun.
Innovation Solution
A toy comprising a supporting frame, an annular frame, and a running ball, where rods from the running ball and supporting frame are inserted into offset holes in the annular frame, enabling the pet to generate a driving force that changes the direction of the running ball and frames, allowing horizontal or vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the running space is fixed in a predetermined configuration, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the pet cannot change running directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed running space into a movable one. The running ball is connected to the annular frame through rods that can pivot at connection points, allowing the running ball to change its position and orientation dynamically. When the pet runs and pushes against the running ball, the ball rotates and the rods pivot, enabling the running direction to change from fixed to variable, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and direction-changing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the running space into multiple independent components: the running ball, the annular frame, and multiple rods with pivot connections. Each component can move independently relative to others, allowing the running ball to change direction while maintaining overall structural stability. The segmentation enables complex motion capabilities without requiring the entire structure to be complex, as each segment handles a specific function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are assembled in a predetermined manner, then the device is stable and easy to manufacture, but the running space cannot change directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pivot connections instead of fixed rigid connections between components. The rods connect the running ball to the annular frame at pivot points, allowing the components to be assembled in a straightforward manner while enabling dynamic direction changes during use. This maintains ease of manufacture through simple assembly operations while achieving the desired adaptability in running directions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the running ball is fixed to the supporting frame, then the structure is stable, but the pet runs in only one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed connections with pivot connections between the running ball and the annular frame. The pivot points allow the running ball to rotate and change direction while remaining structurally supported. This dynamic connection maintains structural stability through the supporting frame and annular frame while enabling the pet to run in multiple directions by allowing the running ball to pivot and reorient.
Solution Approach 2:
The rods act as intermediaries between the running ball and the annular frame. Instead of directly fixing the running ball to the supporting frame, the rods with pivot connections serve as intermediate elements that transmit forces while allowing rotational movement. This intermediary mechanism enables direction flexibility while maintaining structural stability through the supporting framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy for pets includes a supporting frame, an annular frame, and a running ball. The rods extending respectively from the two opposite ends of the central axis of the running ball are inserted respectively into a pair of opposite holes in the inner periphery of the annular frame to pivotally connect the running ball to the annular frame. The rods extending inward from the two lateral sides of the supporting frame are inserted respectively into a pair of opposite holes in the outer periphery of the annular frame to pivotally connect the annular frame to the supporting frame, wherein the two pairs of holes are angularly offset from each other. A pet running in the running ball can generate a driving force that changes the direction of the running ball and of the annular frame and thereby changes the running direction of the pet itself.