Ring Housing With Detachable Legs for Omnidirectional Exercise Ball
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriers for hamster exercise balls lack versatility and efficiency, particularly in terms of allowing omnidirectional movement and secure, compact transport.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped carrier with retractable and fixed pivot pins, detachable legs, and ball bearings that enable 360-degree and omnidirectional spinning of the exercise ball, along with a unique 'Saturn ring' design for secure and compact transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the carrier uses a compact ring form factor for secure transport, then portability and compactness are improved, but the ability to allow omnidirectional movement and spinning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into distinct functional components: a compact ring-shaped housing for portability, detachable legs for stationary positioning, and ball bearing mechanisms for enabling movement. This segmentation allows the carrier to maintain compactness while incorporating features that enable omnidirectional movement when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier transitions from a static compact ring form factor to a dynamic configuration when legs are attached and ball bearings are engaged. The ball bearings enable the exercise ball to spin freely in multiple directions, transforming the carrier from a purely transport-oriented structure to one that also supports active exercise functionality.
2Ease of operation
If retractable inserts are used to attach the exercise ball, then the ball can rotate in one direction, but omnidirectional spinning capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable inserts provide a simple attachment mechanism that can be easily engaged and disengaged. When combined with ball bearings, this simple attachment evolves into a dynamic system that permits omnidirectional spinning, transforming a basic one-directional rotation capability into multi-directional movement freedom.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ball bearings are lined on the inner side of the ring, then the pet can spin freely at all times, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing mechanism is integrated directly into the ring-shaped housing structure, merging the support function with the existing carrier framework. This combination reduces the need for separate complex mounting structures while enabling free spinning capability throughout the exercise ball's operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If detachable legs are added for vertical stationary setup, then the pet can experience omnidirectional spin, but the ease of assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed as detachable segments that can be independently attached and removed from the ring-shaped carrier. This segmentation allows the carrier to be easily assembled and disassembled while providing the omnidirectional spinning capability when legs are attached for stationary exercise use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The carrier allows for secure, versatile, and efficient movement of pets in exercise balls, enabling both stationary and omnidirectional spinning, with a compact design suitable for home and outdoor use.
Implementation Method 1
the inner side of the ring is lined with ball bearings which allow the pet to spin freely at all times
Data Source
AI summary
A rodent exercise system includes a rodent exercise ball having a cavity with an inner surface and an access door on an outer surface that is selectively openable for entry of a rodent. A ring-shaped housing defines a central aperture aligned along an aperture axis to rotatably support the ball so it rotates in response to movement of the rodent. The housing defines a first plane extending along its width and transverse to the aperture axis, and a second plane extending along its thickness and along the aperture axis. At least one leg is selectively attachable to the housing in a stored position, extending in the first plane, or in a standing position, extending in the second plane. In the standing position, first and second ends of the leg rest on a surface to support the housing in an upright orientation.