Animal Training Transmitter Mode Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional animal training devices' level adjusting switches are difficult to use quickly and accurately, as they rely on variable resistors that adjust shock levels based on contact resistance, leading to incorrect adjustments when trying to change levels rapidly.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter with a mode selection switch and a volume switch that allows for switching between intensity selection mode and rheostatic mode, using a select knob to adjust levels in multiple stages and display them, and a transmit controller to convert voltage values into digital values for precise level setting and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a variable resistor (volume switch) is used to adjust shock levels, then the level can be adjusted continuously, but it is difficult to adjust quickly and accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous volume switch into multiple discrete stages by adding a select knob with dome-type grooves. The ball plunger mechanism divides the adjustment range into specific intervals, allowing users to quickly select from predetermined levels while maintaining accuracy through the tactile feedback of the grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback through dome-type grooves that provide audible and tactile confirmation when the ball plunger engages with a groove. This feedback mechanism allows users to know precisely when a level has been selected, improving accuracy without slowing down the adjustment process.
2Productivity
If a variable resistor is used for level adjustment, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment is incorrect when trying to change levels rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the adjustment mechanism dynamic by allowing the select knob to rotate and engage with dome-type grooves at different positions. The ball plunger can move freely along the grooves and snap into place, enabling rapid transitions between levels while ensuring correct engagement through the mechanical constraint of the groove structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ball plunger as an intermediary element between the user's rotational input and the variable resistor adjustment. The ball plunger engages with dome-type grooves to mediate the transmission of motion, ensuring that rapid rotations are converted into precise, discrete level changes rather than continuous unpredictable adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If a select knob with dome-type grooves is added to create multiple stages, then the level can be adjusted quickly in discrete steps, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the select knob with dome-type grooves, the ball plunger, and the existing variable resistor into a single integrated volume switch assembly. This combination allows the system to provide multi-stage discrete adjustment capabilities while maintaining a unified structural design that minimizes the number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides continuous adjustment capability through the variable resistor, discrete multi-stage selection through the dome-type grooves and ball plunger, and tactile feedback for user confirmation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter for animal training device capable of switching modes between a rheostatic mode and an intensity selection mode is provided. Switching from rheostatic mode to intensity selection mode is done by fitting a select knob to a volume switch, setting a mode selection switch to a vibrations mode, and operating both an adjust mode select switch and a power switch at the same time. When in intensity selection mode, a user is able to adjust the volume level in multiple stages. When the select knob is fitted to the volume switch and is rotated, a ball plunger engages in grooves of the select knob, so that the select knob is stopped at the volume level a user desires. With adaptation of the select knob or volume knob to the volume switch, vibrations or shock level are adjusted in rheostatic mode or intensity selection mode.