Polygonal Pet House Frame with Nested Locking Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cat house structures are difficult to clean, have low structural strength due to loose connections, and are inefficient in terms of storage and transportation, as they require complex three-piece installations and take up significant space.
Innovation Solution
A pet house structure featuring a polygonal frame assembly with alternately connected side plates and posts, utilizing fastening devices and locking grooves for secure attachment, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly, and enabling the use of different side plate styles for customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bottom plate and top plate are fixedly connected by screws, then the connection is firm, but the connection is easy to loosen and structural strength is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into multiple components: outer plugs, inner plugs, and locking grooves. The outer plugs provide initial connection, while the inner plugs with locking grooves provide secondary reinforcement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, creating a more reliable overall connection than a single screw system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates locking grooves and locking protrusions in advance within the post structure. These features are designed beforehand to prevent the connection from loosening under normal use conditions. The locking mechanism acts as a preventive measure that engages automatically, cushioning against the harmful effect of screw loosening before it occurs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the side plate has a complex three-piece installation structure, then the assembly is complete, but the assembly process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple installation functions into a single side plate component. The side plate integrates the connection features for both outer plugs and inner plugs, eliminating the need for separate three-piece installation structures. This merging simplifies the assembly process while maintaining structural completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The post acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between side plates and the main structure. By incorporating both outer and inner plug features within the post, it mediates the connection process, allowing for simpler side plate design and easier assembly overall.
3Ease of operation
If the side plate is designed as a detachable component, then the pet house is easy to disassemble and clean, but the storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where inner plugs are placed within outer plugs, and side plates can be nested within or alongside other components during storage. This nesting approach allows detachable components to be compactly arranged, reducing the overall storage volume while maintaining the ability to disassemble for cleaning.
4Strength
If the pet house uses a fixed assembly structure, then the structural strength is high, but the transportation cost is high due to large storage space requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic structure that can transition between assembled and disassembled states. The connection components (outer plugs, inner plugs, locking mechanisms) are designed to provide strong structural integrity when assembled, while allowing easy disassembly for compact storage. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt between strength-optimized and space-optimized configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pet house structure that includes a bottom plate, side plates, a top cover and a plurality of profiles, wherein the side plates and the plurality of profiles are alternately connected to define and form a frame of a polygonal structure, wherein at least one of the side plate of the frame is provided with a passage, wherein the bottom plate and the top cover are connected to the plurality of profiles of the frame through fastening devices, wherein each of the profiles has a mounting cavity extending along its length direction, the mounting cavity is equipped with an inner plug, and wherein the bottom plate and the top cover are connected with the inner plug through the fastening device.