Pet Toy Decorative Sheet Enclosed in Transparent Shell

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pet toys lack durability and visual appeal, failing to maintain the interest of both animals and their owners for an extended period, and do not effectively incorporate decorative elements that can be appreciated through transparent outer shells.

Innovation Solution

A molded pet toy design featuring elongated members with decorative sheets enclosed in transparent plastic outer shells and inner linings, made from thermoplastic polymers, which are injection molded to provide a durable and visually appealing structure that showcases the decorative images without distorting them during the molding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a decorative sheet is incorporated into the pet toy, then visual appeal is improved, but the toy becomes more complex and harder to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appealVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the decorative sheet with the transparent outer shell by enclosing the decorative sheet within the shell during the injection molding process. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, reduces manufacturing complexity, and ensures the decorative sheet is securely protected while maintaining visual appeal through the transparent material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The decorative sheet is prepared and positioned in advance before the injection molding process begins. The transparent outer shell is then molded over the decorative sheet in a single operation, preventing distortion of the decorative elements and simplifying the overall manufacturing process by performing the enclosure action preliminarily.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Illumination intensity

If a transparent outer shell is used to showcase decorative images, then visual appeal is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to potential distortion during molding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appealVSAvoidimage distortion control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the molding parameters such as temperature, pressure, and cooling rates during the injection molding process to minimize distortion of the decorative sheet. By optimizing these parameters, the transparent outer shell is formed with sufficient clarity to showcase the decorative images while preventing warping or distortion that would compromise visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If decorative elements are added to enhance visual appeal, then the toy becomes more interesting to owners, but durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appealVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The decorative sheet is nested within the transparent outer shell, which acts as a protective container. This nesting structure allows the decorative elements to be showcased while the transparent shell provides durability and resistance to chewing forces, effectively protecting the decorative sheet from damage while maintaining visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent outer shell is formed from a flexible yet durable plastic material that can withstand chewing forces while maintaining its integrity. This flexible shell protects the decorative sheet inside, ensuring the toy remains durable and safe for pets while continuing to showcase the decorative elements through its transparent nature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3068215B1Pet toy having a decorative sheet enclosed in a transparent outer shell
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 TFH PUBLICATIONS INC
  • EP3068215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3068215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3068215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pet toy comprising: an elongated member in the form of a bone, the elongated member comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and the second member each have a front side and are arranged juxtaposed to one another with the front sides facing in opposite directions; wherein the first member comprises a transparent first member decorative sheet, wherein the first member decorative sheet is located between a first member outer shell and a first member inner lining; and wherein the second member comprises a transparent second member decorative sheet, wherein the second member decorative sheet is located between a second member outer shell and a second member inner lining.