Suction-Based Tie-Off and Magnetic Mat for Flexible Pet Grooming Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet grooming setups lack flexible attachment solutions for securing grooming loops and retaining grooming tools, especially in environments without dedicated grooming tables, and there is a need for versatile and secure means to manage animal movement and tool accessibility during grooming.

Innovation Solution

A suction-based tie-off attachment with a quick release toggle and a magnetized clipper mat designed for versatile attachment to various surfaces and secure retention of grooming tools, respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a grooming loop is secured to a grooming table latch, then the animal is restrained during grooming, but the grooming table must have attachments at convenient positions which not all tables have

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of securing grooming loopVSAvoidcompatibility with different grooming tables

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suction cup attachment can adhere to any flat surface regardless of whether it has pre-installed latches or attachments. This universal attachment method works on grooming tables, bathroom tiles, shower walls, or any other flat surface, eliminating the need for table-specific hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction cup acts as an intermediary between the grooming loop and the surface. Instead of requiring direct attachment to table latches, the suction cup provides a universal mounting point that can be placed anywhere on a flat surface, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between different table configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If grooming tools are placed on the grooming table for easy access, then the groomer can reach them quickly, but the tools are within range of the animal and can be knocked off or pushed out of reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of grooming toolsVSAvoidsecurity of tool placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction cup attachment serves as an intermediary platform between the groomer and the tools. Tools can be attached to the suction cup-mounted base, positioning them within the groomer's reach while placing them outside the animal's direct access zone, thus preventing tools from being knocked off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves tool placement from the traditional two-dimensional surface of the grooming table to a vertically-mounted position via the suction cup attachment. This dimensional change allows tools to be positioned in a location that is accessible to the groomer but inaccessible to the animal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If grooming tools are kept away from the animal's reach for safety, then tools are protected from being knocked off, but the groomer has reduced access to the tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of grooming toolsVSAvoidaccessibility of grooming tools

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By mounting the tool holder vertically on the suction cup attachment, tools are positioned in a different spatial dimension - high enough to be protected from the animal but low enough and within horizontal reach for the groomer to access quickly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If a fixed tie-off point is used on the grooming table, then the animal can be secured, but the groomer cannot easily relocate the tie-off point for different animal sizes or grooming needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring of animalVSAvoidrelocation flexibility of tie-off point

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suction cup attachment transforms the static, fixed tie-off point into a dynamic, movable one. The groomer can easily relocate the suction cup to different positions on the table or even different surfaces, allowing adaptation to various animal sizes and grooming requirements while maintaining secure attachment.

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

Enables secure and flexible attachment of grooming loops to any flat surface and convenient organization of grooming tools, enhancing grooming efficiency and safety by allowing easy relocation and secure holding without the need for dedicated grooming tables.

Implementation Method 1

A suction cup may be fixedly attached to a bottom face of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The clipper mat comprises a heavy-duty mat fitted with at least one magnet on an upper face of the mat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12389877B1Pet groomers' accessories

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 RATLIFF TROY

AI summary

The present development comprises devices for use by an animal groomer during the grooming process. The tie-off attachment comprises a base with a suction cup fixedly attached to a bottom face, and a quick release toggle and attachment ring fixedly attached to the top face. The clipper mat comprises a heavy-duty mat fitted with at least one magnet on an upper face of the mat.