Threaded Chew Toy for Secure Treats and Controlled Rocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog toys fail to effectively combine durability, treat-holding capability, and interactive play, particularly in maintaining a secure mechanism to dispense treats while allowing for varied chewing angles and preventing uncontrolled movement.
Innovation Solution
A chew toy design featuring an elongated threaded post and a threaded bore with a transverse opening, allowing for axial movement and rotational interaction between parts, secured by a retaining lip and inner flange, which holds treats and provides a controlled rocking motion for varied chewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded post and threaded bore mechanism is used to hold treats, then treat retention security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chew toy is divided into two separate parts: a first part containing the threaded post and a second part containing the threaded bore. This segmentation allows the treat-holding mechanism to be distributed across multiple components, improving security while managing complexity through modular design. The parts can be independently manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded post is inserted into and nested within the threaded bore, creating a secure mechanical connection. The retaining lip fits within the confines of the threaded bore structure, providing a compact integrated solution that maintains security without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first and second parts are allowed to rotate and move axially relative to each other, then adaptability for varied chewing angles is improved, but stability of the structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection between the first and second parts allows dynamic movement including rotation and axial displacement. This enables the structure to adapt to various chewing forces and angles while maintaining structural integrity through the mechanical thread engagement that can accommodate controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The relative position and orientation parameters of the first and second parts can change within the constraints of the threaded connection. The retaining lip and flange mechanism allows controlled parameter changes for adaptability while preventing excessive movement that would compromise stability.
3Reliability
If a retaining lip and inner flange are used to prevent separation of parts, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the retaining lip on the threaded post and the inner flange in the threaded bore. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability through specialized design while managing overall complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining lip and inner flange automatically engage with each other through the threaded connection, providing self-securing functionality. Once the threaded post is inserted into the threaded bore, the retaining features automatically lock the parts together, eliminating the need for additional securing mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the chew toy is designed to rock when one end lies on the ground, then adaptability for comfortable chewing positions is improved, but uncontrolled rolling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The chew toy incorporates asymmetric geometry where one end is designed to lie stably on the ground while the other end rocks at an angle. This asymmetric design provides comfortable varied chewing positions while the grounded end acts as a pivot point that prevents uncontrolled rolling, maintaining positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chew toy utilizes rotational movement in a different dimension (rocking motion) rather than linear movement. When one end contacts the ground, the toy rocks in an arc rather than rolling, providing position variability while the ground contact constrains movement to a controlled rocking motion rather than uncontrolled rolling.
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 design ensures secure treat retention, allows for comfortable chewing positions, and prevents uncontrolled rolling, enhancing play engagement and safety by maintaining parts' inseparability during use.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded post includes a retaining lip that extends radially outward from the post and an interior wall of the threaded bore has an inner retaining flange. The retaining lip is captured between the inner retaining flange and a closed end of the threaded bore, thereby preventing separation of the first part and the second part.
Implementation Method 2
A chew toy according to one embodiment includes a first part having an elongated threaded post and a second part having a threaded bore that receives the threaded post.
Implementation Method 3
The transverse opening formed therein that is in communication with the threaded bore and is configured to receive an object that can be held therein by a force applied by the threaded post.
Data Source
AI summary
A chew toy according to one embodiment includes a first part having an elongated threaded post and a second part having a threaded bore that receives the threaded post. The second part has a transverse opening formed therein that is in communication with the threaded bore and is configured to receive an object that can be held therein by a force applied by the threaded post. The first part and the second part rotate relative to one another and have a range of axial movement relative to one another, but the threaded post is inseparably coupled to and contained within the threaded bore.