Custom Elevated Dog Feeder
Designed and prototyped an ergonomic elevated feeder focused on posture, durability, and modular customization. Iterated through multiple versions to optimize print orientation and structural integrity.
A practical project from the lab: an elevated dog feeder that's easy to print, easy to clean, and easy to adapt.
Problem
Standard bowls on the floor encourage poor posture and can speed up joint wear in larger dogs. Commercial elevated feeders are often flimsy or one-size-fits-all. I wanted something that could be printed at home, tuned to the dog's height, and durable enough for daily use.
Design approach
- Height: Base height parameterized so it can be adjusted per dog (roughly to elbow height).
- Bowls: Designed around standard stainless steel bowls that can be removed and washed; the printed part is a stable stand, not the food surface.
- Stability: Wide base and low center of gravity so it doesn't tip when the dog pushes on the bowl.
- Material: PETG for moisture resistance and impact toughness; orientation chosen so layer lines don't align with high-stress directions.
Iterations
- V1: Single-piece base; print time long and some overhangs needed support.
- V2: Two-piece base (screwed together) to improve print orientation and reduce support.
- V3: Added optional rubber feet and a slight tilt so the bowl sits level on uneven floors.
Final design is modular: one base STL, a few height variants, and standard bowl dimensions documented so others can remix it. No external hardware except the bowls and a few screws.