Toroidal Pet Toy Launcher with Dynamic Spin Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog toys and launchers fail to provide sufficient challenge and exercise for energetic dogs, as simple throwing methods are tedious and lack interest, and previous launchers are not conveniently suited for dog retrieval or easy use.
Innovation Solution
An elongated launcher with a gripper that securely grasps a toroidal toy, allowing for high-speed release with top spin, creating an erratic and appealing bouncing path for dogs to chase, and is designed for easy loading and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a launcher is used to increase throwing distance, then the challenge and exercise for the dog is improved, but the rolling movement becomes predictable and less interesting
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher imparts dynamic spin characteristics to the toy, transforming it from a simple rolling object to one with erratic, unpredictable movement patterns. The spin mechanism creates variable rolling paths and bounces that keep the dog engaged and prevent predictability in the chase.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher modifies the physical parameters of the toy's motion by imparting specific spin rates and orientations. This changes the rolling dynamics from straightforward to complex, creating erratic movement patterns that increase entertainment value while maintaining extended throwing distance capability.
2Length of moving object
If a flat disc launcher is used, then the throwing distance is increased, but the toy is not easily gripped by a dog and loading is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is designed with a toroidal (donut-shaped) geometry that provides a rounded, curved surface easily gripped by a dog's mouth. This curved design contrasts with flat discs, making the toy naturally suitable for canine retrieval while maintaining the launcher's ability to project it over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher features a segmented gripper mechanism with multiple jaws or clamps that can independently adjust and secure the toroidal toy. This segmentation allows for easy loading and secure holding, simplifying the interaction between launcher and toy compared to monolithic disc designs.
3Speed
If the gripper securely grasps the toy perimeter, then the release speed and distance are improved, but the gripping mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper employs dynamic, spring-loaded jaws that automatically adjust their grip force based on the toy's size and shape. This dynamic mechanism provides secure holding for high-speed release without requiring complex adjustable structures, as the springs self-regulate the gripping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper design allows the toy itself to assist in the loading process through its toroidal shape, which naturally fits into the gripper's accommodating geometry. The toy's own form factor simplifies the gripping action, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while ensuring secure hold for high-velocity release.
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 launcher effectively increases the challenge and interest for both dogs and owners by projecting the toy over great distances with a pronounced rolling motion, providing amusement and exercise through its secure grip and high-speed release mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The wings are able to be elastically spread apart to at least partially encircle the rounded cross-sectional shape of the toroidal toy to be fit thereto when gripping the perimeter of the toy
Implementation Method 2
These forces are generated upon executing a whipping stroke of the launcher member, the gripper wings designed to spread apart and release the toy from the gripper at high speed
Implementation Method 3
which trails the rest of the toy at the point of release to impart top spin resulting in a pronounced tendency for the toy to execute a forward rolling motion when the toy hits the ground
Data Source
AI summary
The combination of a toy and launcher member for use in providing chase activities for pets, the toy being toroidally shaped and propelled by a whipping stroke of an elongated launch member having a gripper at one end which is engaged with a segment of the perimeter of the toy. A whipping stroke of the launcher causes release of the toy from the gripper which propels the toy away at high speed, with a top spin imparted thereto which causes the toy to roll and bounce for a great distances along the ground.