Releasable Twist Locking Interface for Reconfigurable Pet Toy
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to extend the life of pet chews and add variety to pet toys to meet the diverse needs and preferences of dog and other pet owners, while making the chews more challenging and entertaining for pets.
Innovation Solution
Reconfigurable pet toy products with a novel releasable twist-locking interface that allow multiple configurations using middle and end pieces with different interfaces, enabling various structures such as kibble dispenser openings, handles, and rings, and the ability to mix and match pieces for specific pet needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end pieces are coupled with the middle piece to provide closures for the internal cavity, then chew security is improved (chew cannot be removed), but device complexity increases (multiple pieces and interfaces required)
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is divided into separate modular components (end pieces and middle piece) that can be assembled and disassembled. Each end piece can be independently coupled to the middle piece via twist-locking interfaces, allowing the chew to be secured when assembled and accessed when disassembled by the owner.
Solution Approach 2:
The twist-locking interface provides a dynamic coupling mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The interface includes movable locking elements that engage with corresponding features on the middle piece, allowing the end piece to be securely attached during use and easily detached for chew replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurations are provided to meet diverse pet needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases (multiple interfaces and pieces)
Solution Approach 1:
The twist-locking interface is designed as a universal coupling mechanism that can accommodate different end piece configurations. The same basic interface structure works for various toy arrangements (single end piece, dual end pieces, different orientations), providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segmented design allows different combinations of end pieces and middle pieces to create various configurations. Owners can mix and match components to suit different pet needs while using the same standardized twist-locking interface, achieving versatility through combinatorial possibilities rather than complex specialized interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If a releasable locking mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved (owner can access chew), but device complexity increases (locking mechanism components)
Solution Approach 1:
The twist-locking interface is designed to be operated directly by the pet owner without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The owner simply twists the end piece to engage or disengage the locking elements, providing self-service functionality that balances security with easy access for chew replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism within the interface rather than being integrated into the main body structure. This allows the locking feature to be implemented with minimal additional components while maintaining the overall simplicity of the toy design.
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 reconfigurable design extends the life of pet chews by preventing removable access to the internal cavity and provides multiple configurations to keep pets engaged, thus meeting the varied needs and preferences of pet owners.
Implementation Method 1
a button releasable lock assembly at the male interface
Data Source
AI summary
Reconfigurable pet toy products and releasable twist-locking interfaces which may be used in connection with the reconfigurable pet toy products are disclosed. Some example reconfigurable pet toy products may comprise at least one middle piece, a first end piece, and a second end piece. The different pieces may couple with one another in multiple different configurations. The middle piece may include an internal cavity and a chew access window. The end pieces, when coupled with the middle piece according to one configuration, may provide closures for the internal cavity. In another configuration, the first and second end pieces may be coupled directly together, without the middle piece. In still further configurations, multiple middle pieces may be coupled together, and a variety of different middle pieces and/or end pieces may be mixed and matched.