Adjustable Weave Trainer for Dog Agility Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dog agility training equipment for weave poles is inadequate, as it fails to accommodate the varying specifications of different agility organizations and does not effectively train dogs for the specific challenges of weave pole obstacles, particularly in adjusting pole spacing and angle for regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A weave trainer with adjustable poles and a pivot mechanism that allows for angular adjustment, enabling the trainer to meet the specifications of all major agility organizations by allowing pole spacing and angle to be customized, along with a rail system that includes removable legs and a connector for folding storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pole spacing and angle are used in traditional weave trainers, then the equipment is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate varying specifications of different agility organizations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable pole spacing through a sliding mechanism where poles can be moved along the rail to different positions, and adjustable pole angles through a pivoting mechanism that allows poles to be rotated to various angles. This dynamic adjustability enables the same equipment to meet specifications of different agility organizations without requiring multiple fixed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The weave trainer is divided into independent, modular components including individual poles, sliding mechanisms, pivoting joints, and rail sections. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and configured to meet different organizational specifications while maintaining overall system functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to meet various organizational specifications, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding and pivoting mechanisms serve multiple functions: they adjust pole spacing, adjust pole angles, and can be positioned at various intervals along the rail. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each parameter, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving compliance with various organizational regulations
3Ease of operation
If poles are positioned away from centerline for training purposes, then training effectiveness improves, but deviation from regulation specifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The poles are mounted on sliding mechanisms that allow them to be dynamically repositioned between a training position (away from centerline) and a competition position (directly over centerline). This dynamic repositioning capability enables the same equipment to serve both training and competition functions with precise positioning for each purpose
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a weave trainer for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave trainer includes a rail with a set of adjustable poles. Attached to the rail are telescoping legs extending away from the centerline of the rail. The legs are grooved for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In one such embodiment, the legs are removable. In another embodiment, the angle of the projection is adjustable such that the engaged poles are movable to selected angles from vertical. In another embodiment, two rails are connected by a hinge that allows the two rails to fold.