Spring-Mounted Laser Pet Toy with Random Motion Patterns
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light and mechanical pet toys require constant human presence to operate effectively, as pets often damage or injure themselves with these devices, and there is a need for a safe, automated solution that can entertain and exercise pets without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting pet toy with a laser or LED source mounted on a spring and turntable, powered by a motor with preprogrammed software to create random, non-linear patterns, allowing for automatic operation, adjustable shut-off, and wireless connectivity for tracking and feedback, with features like sensors and sound effects to enhance interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a laser or LED pet toy is made portable and handheld, then the pet owner can be out of sight or engaged while the pet plays, but the pet may damage or injure itself with mechanical components or the light source may be damaged by the pet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser or LED light source to project a virtual image of prey (mouse, bug, or other objects) onto surfaces, allowing the pet to chase and play with the projected light pattern without physical contact with harmful mechanical components. The light source itself remains stationary and protected while creating an engaging visual target for the pet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical toys with a light-based system. Instead of physical moving parts that could injure the pet, the invention uses a laser or LED to project light patterns that move in random, non-linear patterns, eliminating mechanical harm while maintaining entertainment value.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is mounted on a spring and turntable with motor, then random non-linear patterns are created for pet engagement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-mounted light source that can be rotated by a motor to create dynamic, random non-linear movement patterns. The spring provides elastic recovery while the motor controls the rotation, enabling the light to move in unpredictable paths that engage the pet's hunting instinct without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven turntable creates periodic rotation of the light source, which combined with the spring's elastic properties, generates repeating yet variable movement patterns. This periodic action ensures the light returns to starting positions while maintaining random, engaging trajectories during each cycle.
3Extent of automation
If the toy includes automatic shut-off and timer features, then the pet owner can be out of sight while the pet plays, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automatic shut-off and timer features that allow the device to operate autonomously without continuous owner intervention. The timer circuitry automatically controls the light source operation, enabling the pet to play independently while the owner is out of sight, with the system self-regulating based on preset time parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may include sensors or control mechanisms that detect pet interaction or environmental conditions to provide feedback for automatic operation. This feedback enables the system to adjust its behavior automatically, such as activating or deactivating the light source based on detected motion or time elapsed, reducing the need for complex manual controls.
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
Enables safe, automated entertainment and exercise of pets without human presence, providing varied and engaging light patterns that stimulate pets while preventing damage from mechanical components, with features for tracking and feedback to pet owners.
Implementation Method 1
a light source from a laser or Light Emitting Diode (LED) to project the beam of light onto an opaque surface such as a floor, wall or some other object
Implementation Method 2
a motor with preprogrammed software to create random, non-linear patterns
Implementation Method 3
the laser or LED light source is mounted on a spring that is then mounted on a turntable attached to a motor shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A laser pet toy including a light source with a focused beam of light of a predetermined shape and programmable random travel across an opaque surface such as a floor or wall to create an engaging image for a pet to play with the image for entertainment or exercise.