Reconfigurable Kennel Offset Couplers Prevent Structural Twist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal kennels are expensive, inconvenient, and time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, often twist, bend, or collapse due to lack of effective coupling mechanisms, require tools for assembly, and are limited in configurability and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable expandable shrinkable kennel with stackable, interchangeable, and expandable panels featuring unique offset couplers, self-locking self-centering couplers, and single-shaft-clamp-couplers that allow for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, preventing twisting and bending, and enabling various configurations and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional kennel assembly methods are used, then structural stability may be achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The kennel is divided into modular panels (wall panels, floor panels, roof panels) that can be independently assembled and configured. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized coupling mechanisms, allowing rapid assembly without complex interdependencies between components.
Solution Approach 2:
Couplers serve as intermediary components that connect panel members together. These couplers feature self-locking and self-centering mechanisms that automatically establish secure connections when panels are brought together, eliminating the need for manual alignment and fastening operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used, then panels can be connected, but the structure twists and bends under load
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component between panel members, providing a specialized connection mechanism that prevents twisting and bending. The coupler's internal geometry and self-locking features ensure that connected members remain aligned and stable under various loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler design incorporates asymmetric features including offset shafts and non-uniform clamp positions that specifically counteract twisting and bending forces. The offset coupling mechanism creates geometric constraints that prevent rotational and lateral deformation of connected panels.
3Reliability
If fixed-configuration kennels are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability and reconfigurability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The kennel structure is segmented into standardized modular panels that can be independently configured and reconfigured. Each panel type (wall, floor, roof) can be used in multiple positions and orientations, enabling the same set of components to form various kennel sizes and layouts according to different needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel members and couplers are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions. The same panel type can be used as a wall panel, floor panel, or roof panel depending on configuration needs. The standardized coupling mechanism works across all panel types, enabling seamless reconfiguration without requiring specialized components for different functions.
4Reliability
If tool-based assembly methods are used, then secure connections are achieved, but ease of operation and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler mechanism is designed to perform its own locking and securing functions without requiring external tools. The self-locking feature automatically secures the connection when panels are assembled, and the self-centering feature automatically aligns components, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or tool-assisted fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler serves as an intermediary that mediates the connection between panel members through its own internal mechanisms. The offset shafts and clamps within the coupler automatically engage and lock the panel members together, providing secure connections through the coupler's inherent mechanical design rather than through external fastening tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A unique reconfigurable expandable shrinkable quick-assembly quick-disassembly indoor-outdoor kennel for multiple types of animals comprises stackable, interchangeable, expandable, and shinkable panels, doorframe panel, door panel, single-shaft-clamp-couplers, double-shaft-clamp-couplers, double-shaft-couplers, and double-clamp-couplers. Each of the panels can be used either as a roof panel, a truss panel, a wall panel, a floor panel, a ramp panel, a perch panel, or a storage panel. Each of the couplers is for centering, aligning, coupling, and locking inside the tube ends of at least two panels, to prevent the panels from twisting, bending, and collapsing. The unique indoor-outdoor kennel can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled by hand, without using any tools, can be easily stored in a car trunk and transported to a park or beach, can be easily configured to form a single-or-multi-level kennel of a large variety of shapes and sizes, and can have at least one convex, flat, or concave roof, which can also function as a storage to store food bags, bowl, toys, pet pad, accessories, leash, etc. for multiple types of pets.