Portable animal therapy table
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard massage tables designed for humans pose safety and comfort concerns when used with animals, as they do not accommodate the natural movement of animals and lack stability during therapy sessions, increasing the risk of injury to both animals and practitioners.
Innovation Solution
A folding table specifically designed for animal therapy with a lowered height and diagonally placed corner bumpers, featuring a rigid planar base, U-shaped double leg supports, and locking mechanisms, allowing animals to move comfortably and reducing the risk of falling off, while maintaining stability and ease of use for therapists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard human massage table with single folding legs and rectangular shape is used, then the table structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the table lacks stability when animals move suddenly or leap off
Solution Approach 1:
The table divides its support structure into multiple independent legs (at least three legs instead of two) positioned at different locations on the base. This segmentation provides multiple independent support points that collectively enhance stability without requiring each individual leg to be overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The table transitions from a two-dimensional rectangular plan view to a three-dimensional configuration with legs positioned at different heights and locations. The corner bumpers also add vertical dimension to prevent animals from rolling off, creating a more stable and secure surface
2Ease of operation
If a standard rectangular massage table is used, then the table shape is simple and easy to manufacture, but the table does not accommodate the natural circular movement behavior of dogs
Solution Approach 1:
The table modifies its geometric parameters by adding corner bumpers and adjusting leg positions to create designated comfortable zones in the corners. These modifications allow animals to move naturally while providing secure resting positions, transforming the simple rectangular shape into a more animal-friendly configuration
3Ease of operation
If the table height is lowered for animal comfort, then animals can more easily access and feel safe on the table, but the table becomes less stable and more prone to tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The table uses strategically positioned legs and corner bumpers to counterbalance the lowered center of gravity. The multiple leg positions create a wider base of support that compensates for the reduced height, preventing tipping while maintaining animal accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The table compensates for reduced vertical stability by enhancing horizontal stability through multiple legs positioned at different locations. The corner bumpers also add vertical protection, creating a multi-dimensional stability system that works despite the lowered height
Data Source
AI summary
A padded table for animal massage or body work having a flat square working surface with diagonally situated bumper pads supported on 4 sets of attached folding legs. Table construction includes two adjacent parallel sections joined in the middle with a piano-type hinge so that it may be closed and moved or carried easily as like a suitcase or unfolded to form a flat working surface. The double leg support structure on both sides of the adjacent parallel sections distributes the weight of animals who may move continually across the sections providing unique stability.