Treat Dispensing Device with Self-Actuated Crankshaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet treat dispensers fail to provide sufficient exercise and independence for pets, as they either require excessive pet exertion or parental activation, and do not effectively slow down feeding times.
Innovation Solution
A treat dispensing device with a base, dome-shaped covering, and a dispensing mechanism actuated by a crankshaft, featuring a plunger system and compression spring, allowing pets to dispense treats at their own pace, providing exercise and auditory-visual stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If handheld launchers are used to slow feeding, then feeding speed is reduced, but the pet becomes dependent on the parent to activate them
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the pet to operate the treat dispensing mechanism independently through self-powered movement. The pet's own locomotion activates the crankshaft via the drive wheels, eliminating the need for parental activation and fostering autonomy while maintaining controlled feeding speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual activation mechanism is replaced with a self-actuating mechanical system where the pet's movement directly drives the crankshaft through the drive wheels. This substitution transforms the system from parent-operated to pet-operated, maintaining mechanical control while ensuring pet independence.
2Loss of time
If hide and seek puzzles and weighted rockers are used, then thoughtful feeding is created, but insufficient exertion is required by the pets
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static puzzle structures to a dynamic self-powered system. The pet must actively move the device forward, converting locomotion into mechanical work that drives the treat dispensing mechanism, thereby increasing physical exertion while maintaining extended feeding duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The treat dispensing occurs through periodic activation as the pet moves the device forward in intervals. Each forward movement cycle activates the crankshaft, which intermittently releases treats, creating a rhythm of exertion and reward that extends feeding time while requiring continuous physical effort.
3Productivity
If a plunger system with compression spring is used for treat dispensing, then controlled treat release is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring stores mechanical energy at a consistent potential level, creating a reliable and repeatable treat release mechanism. Each activation of the plunger system draws from the same spring energy reservoir, ensuring uniform treat dispensing control without requiring complex electronic or mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dome-shaped covering and rounded structural elements simplify the overall device geometry while housing the plunger mechanism. The curved design allows for compact integration of the compression spring and plunger components, reducing spatial complexity while maintaining controlled treat release functionality.
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 device allows pets to feed independently, slows down feeding times, and provides exercise and entertainment through a fun, audible treat dispensing process, enhancing digestion and engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned below the plunger disk and contained within the central recessed portion
Implementation Method 2
a pair of drive wheels connected by a crankshaft; a dispensing mechanism actuated by rotation of the crankshaft
Implementation Method 3
a pivoting escapement actuated by the crankshaft rotating in a forward or a backward rotation of the crankshaft
Data Source
AI summary
Treat dispensing devices are presented including: including: a base, where the base includes a bowl portion and a central recessed portion, where the central recessed portion is positioned under the bowl portion; a dome-shaped covering removably coupled along a top edge of the bowl portion, where the dome-shaped covering includes a dome surface having at least one opening along the dome surface; a pair of drive wheels connected by a crankshaft; a dispensing mechanism actuated by rotation of the crankshaft, where the dispensing mechanism includes: a plunger having a plunger disk, a plunger rod, and a plunger stop, where the plunger disk is slidingly engaged along the central recessed portion; a compression spring positioned below the plunger disk and contained within the central recessed portion; and a pivoting escapement actuated by the crankshaft rotating in a forward or a backward rotation of the crankshaft.