Treat-Dispensing Pet Toy With Internal Scoops for Controlled Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet toys that dispense edible treats face challenges in maintaining pet interest by not being too difficult or too easy, as they either lose interest quickly or dispense all treats too soon.

Innovation Solution

A rollable, hollow toy with treat-dispensing openings at opposite ends and inwardly disposed scoops that control treat dispensing, featuring wings to lift treats for controlled release during rolling motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the toy easily dispenses treats, then the pet can quickly access treats, but the toy loses entertainment value as all treats are dispensed too soon

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreat accessibilityVSAvoidentertainment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The toy employs dynamic elements including a movable scoop that shifts position during rolling, and openings that are raised from the lowermost portion when rolled. These dynamic features create variable treat dispensing rates that maintain pet interest throughout the entertainment duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling motion of the toy creates periodic treatment dispensing through the openings. The scoops periodically lift and dispense treats in cycles determined by the rolling motion, providing intermittent rewards that sustain entertainment rather than continuous dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of moving object

If the toy makes dispensing action difficult, then treats are dispensed slowly over longer time, but the pet loses interest due to excessive difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveentertainment durationVSAvoidtreat dispensing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The toy is designed to be self-operating through the pet's natural rolling or pushing actions. The internal scoops and openings automatically control treat dispensing without requiring the pet to manipulate complex mechanisms, making the toy accessible while maintaining controlled dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the scoops are accessible to the pet, then the pet can interact with the dispensing mechanism, but the pet can alter or break the scoop operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepet interaction capabilityVSAvoidscoop operation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scoops are nested within the hollow body of the toy, positioned inside where the pet cannot easily access or alter them. This nested configuration allows the scoops to perform their dispensing function reliably while being protected from pet interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12471568B2Treat dispensing toy for pets

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 BENEBONE LLC

AI summary

A toy for a domestic pet can be used as a fetch toy or as an interactive toy that releases edible treats for the pet. The toy includes a mostly hollow body that defines at least one treat-dispensing opening. A scoop is disposed inwardly of the treat-dispensing opening to provide an amount of control over the dispensing of the treats. The scoop both helps dispense treats and limits the number of treats that are dispensed. The scoop is disposed inside the toy where the pet cannot easily interact with it or alter its operation.