Solenoid Actuated Simulated Mouse Toy for Cats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet toys fail to effectively stimulate domestic cats' hunting instincts due to lack of both visual and auditory cues, as they rely primarily on stagnant designs that do not mimic the natural movement and sound of prey.
Innovation Solution
A simulated mouse toy equipped with a prerecorded sound chip and a motion assembly that imparts twitching or jittery movements, actuated by a solenoid, providing both auditory and visual stimulation to mimic the natural behavior of prey.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a simulated prey toy uses a stagnant design, then the device complexity is low, but the visual stimulation and pet interaction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stagnant toy into a dynamic one through the solenoid actuator that imparts twitching motions to the simulated prey. This allows the toy to mimic natural prey movement patterns, providing visual stimulation that triggers cats' hunting instincts while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through the use of a single solenoid component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration through the solenoid actuator that generates twitching motions in the simulated prey. The vibration and motion generated by the solenoid create realistic prey-like movements that enhance visual stimulation and engage the cat's predatory behavior, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simulated prey toy lacks motion and sound, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the pet's hunting instincts are not effectively stimulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stimulation modalities (visual motion from solenoid twitching and auditory stimulation from prerecorded sounds) into a single integrated toy system. This combination creates a versatile prey simulation that effectively triggers hunting instincts while maintaining ease of manufacture by using off-the-shelf components like solenoids and sound chips that can be easily assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by using prerecorded sounds that replicate actual prey vocalizations and by designing the simulated prey to visually copy the appearance and movement patterns of real prey. This allows the toy to effectively stimulate hunting instincts through realistic replication without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the toy provides continuous motion and sound, then the pet interaction is enhanced, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by programming the solenoid to generate intermittent twitching motions rather than continuous movement, and by using prerecorded sounds that play at specific intervals. This periodic stimulation pattern mimics natural prey behavior and maintains cat engagement over extended periods while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 toy encourages prolonged interaction and exercise in cats by triggering their hunting instincts with synchronized sound and motion, enhancing playfulness and enjoyment while being economically viable with low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A motion imparting solenoid is operatively connected in conjunction the prerecorded sound chip
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated mouse toy having a prerecorded sound chip therein is provided which emits a prerecorded sound upon physical movement, such as when swatted, rolled or carried, to encourage pets to continue to play. A motion imparting device formed of a solenoid is operatively connected in conjunction the prerecorded sound chip to simultaneously provide a jittery or twitching visual stimulation.