Animal Restraint Assembly with Segmented Anchor Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing animal restraint solutions, such as cones and cylinders, are often uncomfortable, prone to injury, and ineffective in preventing animals from reaching wounds with their mouth or tongue, as they can be easily displaced or cause distress.

Innovation Solution

A restraint assembly comprising a front anchor member, a rear anchor member, and a coupling assembly that secures to an animal's neck, legs, and tail, using adjustable strap assemblies and a base garment to limit head rotation and prevent access to the rear with the mouth, while allowing comfortable movement and articulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cones or cylinders are used as restraints, then the animal is prevented from reaching wounds, but the animal becomes uncomfortable and may suffer injury or distress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in preventing access to woundsVSAvoidanimal discomfort, injury risk, and distress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint device is divided into multiple segments including a head collar portion, a body harness portion, and coupling straps, allowing each segment to function independently and comfortably while collectively achieving restraint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses flexible straps and harness components that conform to the animal's body shape, providing comfort and preventing displacement unlike rigid cones or cylinders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If rigid cones or cylinders are used, then wound protection is achieved, but the restraints can be easily displaced or slid down the neck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound protection capabilityVSAvoidposition stability of the restraint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint is segmented into head collar, body harness, and coupling components that work together to distribute force and maintain stable positioning on the animal's body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The head collar and body harness are merged through coupling straps to form an integrated restraint system that prevents displacement by distributing restraint forces across multiple body points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional restraint methods are used, then some level of control is achieved, but the animal's mobility and comfort are significantly restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint control effectivenessVSAvoidanimal mobility and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system allows dynamic movement within controlled parameters, enabling the animal to move naturally while maintaining restraint through flexible straps and proper anatomical positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint applies control locally at specific anatomical points (neck, chest, waist) while allowing freedom in other areas, maintaining comfort and natural movement patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11425890B2Restraint assembly for an animal

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 K 9 MD INC

AI summary

A restraint assembly for an animal having a front anchor member, a rear anchor member and a coupling assembly. The front anchor member is configured to be secured to an animal through an interaction with at least one of a neck, a first front leg, and second front leg thereof. The rear anchor member is configured to be secured to an animal through interaction with at least one of a tail, a first rear leg, and a second rear leg thereof. The coupling assembly coupling the front anchor member to the rear anchor member in releasable engagement, to limit articulation of a body of the animal, sufficient to substantially preclude a head of the animal to rotate and reach portions of behind the head with a mouth of the animal.