Pet Toy with Segmented Arcuate Shell and Maze Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet training toys lack stimulation and challenge, often requiring pets to use random manipulation to retrieve treats, leading to a lack of engagement and learning of desired techniques.
Innovation Solution
A toy with arcuate outer shell sections and multiple exit openings, featuring a middle flat section that divides the space into halves, allowing for complex treat pathways and unpredictable reward locations, enabling pets to engage in more stimulating play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spiral shaped path is used in a cubic toy, then treats can be transported from entry to exit opening, but the toy becomes difficult to manoeuvre by the pet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by changing the toy shape from cubic to rounded/spheroidal form. This allows the treat to slide smoothly along curved internal pathways while the rounded external shape enables easy rolling and manipulation by the pet, resolving the contradiction between shape complexity and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a rounded shape with spiral path is used, then the toy becomes easier to handle, but the challenge to the pet is limited since any manipulation results in treat emergence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal space by introducing a middle section that divides the toy into two separate compartments. Each compartment has its own entry and exit openings with independent pathways, allowing the treat to be transported to different exits based on which compartment it was inserted into, thereby increasing training challenge while maintaining ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by creating multiple levels or compartments within the rounded toy structure. The middle section creates a vertical or spatial division, enabling treats to travel through multi-dimensional pathways rather than simple single-path spirals, increasing the cognitive challenge for the pet.
3Ease of operation
If friction along the spiral path is low, then the treat can emerge by its own volition, but the pet learns no technique to reach and eat the treat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different friction characteristics in different regions of the internal pathway. The pathways are designed with specific surface properties that control treat movement, ensuring the treat remains stationary until the pet applies appropriate manipulation force, thereby reinforcing learning of correct techniques while maintaining fair accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a toy for motivating or training a pet, comprising a first outer shell section (2) and a second outer shell section (2′), said first and second shell sections (2,2′) being arranged to create a space between themselves, and further comprising an entry opening (21, 21′), preferably comprising a raised section (29, 29′) that extends into said space, and said toy also comprising at least one exit opening (22-24′), each of said entry and exit openings (22-24′) being arranged to connect said space to a surrounding of said toy (1), characterized in said toy (1) being arranged to provide at least two different paths through said space from said entry opening (21, 21′) to said exit opening (22-24′), said at least two paths being provided by means of at least one ridge (32), preferably fixed to said shell section (2, 2′), said ridge defining a limited transversal opening, wherein said ridge (32) and opening respectively are arranged to provide a maze like path for transversal movement of an object from said entry opening (21, 21′) to said exit opening (22-24′). The invention also relates to a method for motivating or training a pet using a toy.