Removable Clip for Adjustable Animal Enclosure Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional animal cages lack flexibility in size adjustment and door operation, as they are either too large for smaller animals or not suitable for multiple animals, and the hinged doors can cause damage and do not allow partial opening.
Innovation Solution
A removable clip system for collapsible wire crates that allows for adjustable door openings by coupling to horizontal wires, enabling partial opening and secure positioning of the door, thus accommodating different animal sizes and multiple animals within a single enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged door is used in conventional cages, then the door can be opened and closed, but the door cannot be partially opened and may swing too quickly causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete positions using clips that can be attached at different locations on the door frame. This allows the door to be held at various degrees of opening (partially open, fully open, closed) rather than continuous movement, providing precise control over the opening extent and preventing uncontrolled swinging that causes damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large conventional cage is used, then it is suitable for larger animals, but it is not suitable for smaller animals and cannot be adjusted in size
Solution Approach 1:
The cage structure is divided into modular sections with standardized wire spacing that accommodates multiple clip positions. This segmentation allows the same cage structure to be configured for different animal sizes by simply repositioning clips along the wire members, maintaining structural integrity while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is designed with universal features including standardized wire spacing and multiple clip attachment points throughout the structure. This allows a single cage design to serve multiple functions for different animal sizes and configurations, eliminating the need for separate cages for different animal types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cages are designed for single animal housing, then the structure is simple, but they cannot accommodate multiple animals or be separated
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is segmented into separable sections using clips that can independently secure different door frames and panel configurations. This allows the cage to be divided into multiple compartments for housing different animals, or reconfigured as a single large space, without requiring a completely different structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal enclosure includes a door, a door frame, and a plurality of members each formed by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires. The door is movably coupled to the door frame between an open position and a closed position, where in any position except for the closed position an opening formed in the door frame is at least partially exposed to provide access to the interior of the enclosure. A clip is removably coupled to any one of the plurality of members. The clip includes a body formed by a first member, a top member, a base member, a second member, and a finger portion. The finger portion extends downward from the top member to define a first opening between the finger portion, the top member, and the first member.