Spring-Loaded Dog Boot Applicator to Reduce Hand Strength Requirement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices struggle to assist dog owners in easily applying elastomeric dog boots due to the requirement of sustained force to stretch and maintain the boot opening, particularly challenging for those with limited hand strength or when dealing with larger or impatient dogs.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising two arms with a hinge and compression spring that biases the arms to an open configuration, allowing easy expansion and retention of the boot opening, reducing the effort needed to put on and keep the boot on a dog's paw.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a scissor-like hinged device is used to expand the boot opening, then the boot can be stretched to accommodate the paw, but sustained compressive force must be applied to maintain the expanded state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of boot applicationVSAvoidduration of force application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is pre-loaded in a compressed state within the device, storing elastic potential energy that is automatically released to expand and hold the boot opening during application, eliminating the need for sustained user force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded mechanism automatically maintains the expanded boot opening state through its inherent elastic recovery force, allowing the device to sustain the required force without continuous user input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual stretching of the boot opening is used, then the boot can be fitted on the paw, but significant hand strength is required which limits accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of boot applicationVSAvoidhand strength requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded mechanical device acts as an intermediary between the user and the boot, amplifying the user's initial input force into sustained expanding force through spring elasticity, thereby reducing the direct hand strength requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static manual stretching approach to a dynamic spring-loaded system that automatically adjusts and maintains the expanding force throughout the boot application process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies the process of applying elastomeric dog boots by minimizing the exertion required to widen the boot opening and maintaining it in a stretched state, allowing owners to focus on guiding the dog's paw without continuous effort, especially beneficial for sensitive dogs.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring secured at an intermediate position between the hinge end and the gripping end of each of the first arm and second arm, the spring applying a bias force to push the arm heads of the first arm and second arm away from one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12108894B2Device for putting elastic boots on a dog

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 OCONNOR DANIEL A

AI summary

A device that assists with putting elastic or rubber dog boots on a dog's paws. The has two arms and a compression spring therebetween that assist in stretching the opening or aperture of an elastic boot and holding the boot opening in this expanded shape such that the boot can be easily put on the pet paw. The device can then easily be removed, leaving the elastic shoe on the dog.