Integrated Animal Tracking and Stimulus Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional animal training and tracking systems require separate devices for stimulation and tracking, leading to complexity and burden for users due to the need for two independent control systems and multiple mounting points on the animal.
Innovation Solution
A combined animal tracking and control system where a tracking unit and a stimulus unit are removably coupled and controlled by a single handheld device, utilizing a GNSS system for location tracking and adjustable stimuli delivery, with secure dovetail connections and adhesion members for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate stimulation and tracking systems are used, then each system can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and user burden increase due to requiring two independent control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate stimulation and tracking systems into a single integrated collar device that contains both a stimulus unit and a tracking unit. This merging eliminates the need for two separate control devices while maintaining the independent functionality of each subsystem, directly resolving the contradiction between system optimization and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated collar device serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both animal training stimulation and real-time location tracking through a single unified system. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace two separate specialized devices, reducing user burden while maintaining specialized capabilities of each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate systems are mounted on the animal, then each system can be independently configured, but the mounting complexity and animal burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both the stimulus unit and tracking unit into a single collar assembly that is mounted once on the animal. This eliminates the need for two separate mounting operations and reduces the total weight burden on the animal while maintaining the independent configurability of each functional unit within the integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate control devices are used, then each control device can be specialized for its function, but the ease of operation decreases due to managing multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates control of both stimulation and tracking functions into a single handheld control device that communicates with the integrated collar system. This allows the user to manage both functions through one device interface, significantly improving ease of operation while the system maintains specialized control capabilities for each function through software configuration.
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
Simplifies the mounting and operation of animal training and tracking systems by integrating both functions into a single device, reducing bulk and weight on the animal while providing efficient tracking and stimulus delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The tracking unit may be a Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) device that provides location information to the control device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus to track and control an animal, including a tracking unit to track the animal, and a stimulus unit to provide a stimulus to the animal, wherein the tracking unit and stimulus unit are configured to be removably coupled together, and the tracking unit and/or stimulus unit communicate with a common control device.