Spring-Loaded Mesh Attachment for Pet Crate Enrichment Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet crate attachment devices are not safe, easy to install, or aesthetically pleasing, particularly when securing items like enrichment devices to mesh-walled crates, as they often require complex mechanisms or do not securely fit the mesh structure.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded crate attachment member with a base member and slider pieces that can be inserted through the mesh openings, utilizing a spring force to expand and securely attach enrichment devices to the crate, matching the shape and spacing of the mesh for a snug fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing attachment devices are used to secure items to mesh-walled crates, then items can be attached, but the attachment is not safe or aesthetically pleasing and the mesh structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member is divided into multiple slider pieces (first slider piece and second slider piece) that can independently move through mesh openings. Each slider piece has a cross-section designed to fit within the mesh opening dimensions, allowing the attachment device to interact with the mesh structure in a segmented manner that maintains structural integrity while achieving secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider pieces change their cross-sectional dimensions during operation. When force is applied, the cross-section of the slider pieces decreases to allow insertion through the mesh opening. Once inserted, the spring mechanism causes the cross-section to increase, creating a secure fit within the mesh opening that prevents removal while maintaining mesh integrity.
2Strength
If complex mechanisms are used to achieve secure attachment, then attachment strength is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic movement between different states. The spring allows the slider pieces to move between an inserted state (when force is applied) and an expanded state (when spring force acts), enabling easy installation by simply pushing the member through the mesh opening while maintaining strong attachment once installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service functionality where the spring automatically biases the slider pieces to the expanded state after insertion, securing the attachment without requiring additional fastening steps. The design eliminates the need for tools or complex assembly procedures - the user simply applies force to insert the member, and the spring mechanism handles the rest of the attachment process automatically.
3Strength
If the attachment member cross-section is large, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to fit through mesh openings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slider pieces are designed with dynamic cross-sectional dimensions that change during the attachment process. The cross-section is larger in the expanded state to provide structural strength and secure attachment, but decreases when force is applied to allow insertion through the mesh opening. This dynamic size change resolves the contradiction between needing large cross-section for strength and small cross-section for insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the slider pieces, specifically their cross-sectional dimensions, are changed based on the operational state. The spring mechanism controls these parameter changes, maintaining large cross-section dimensions for strength when attached, and reducing cross-section dimensions to fit within mesh opening dimensions during insertion and removal operations.
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 solution provides a safe, easy-to-install, and aesthetically pleasing attachment method that securely fastens enrichment devices to pet crates, ensuring stability and ease of use while maintaining the crate's mesh integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring force biases the at least one of the first slider piece or the second slider piece from the insertion state to an expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
Described are attachment devices coupleable to an animal crate having at least a portion of at least one wall formed from a mesh network having a plurality of openings. The attachment device comprising includes a base member and a spring-loaded crate attachment member coupled to the base member. The spring-loaded crate attachment member includes a first slider piece and a second slider piece. A first force is applicable to at least one of the first slider piece or the second slider piece to move the at least one of the first slider piece or the second slider piece to an insertion state. A spring force biases the at least one of the first slider piece or the second slider piece from the insertion state to an expanded state.