Antler Scent Dummy for Dog Retrieval Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hunters face difficulty in finding shed antlers due to camouflage by vegetation and the inability of trained dogs to detect them by scent or shape, as the antlers have different scents and shapes than those the dogs are trained for.

Innovation Solution

A retrieving dummy configured to resemble an antler with a scent carrier that emits antler scent, made from absorbent materials, and a handle for easy throwing, which can be part of a kit to incrementally introduce dogs to the shape, feel, and scent of antlers, varying scent intensity to aid in training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If hunters rely on eyesight alone to find shed antlers, then they can search for antlers in natural settings, but the antlers are difficult to detect due to camouflage by vegetation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetectability of shed antlersVSAvoidcamouflage by vegetation

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a scent carrier as an intermediary substance that transfers antler scent to the dummy body. This mediator enables dogs to detect the dummy through scent, overcoming the camouflage problem that hinders visual detection by hunters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dummy body that copies the essential characteristics of a shed antler, including its shape, size, and most importantly, its scent profile. This copy allows dogs to recognize and retrieve the dummy as if it were a real antler, solving the detection problem in camouflage environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If dogs are trained to retrieve game animal carcasses, then they have strong retrieving instincts, but they cannot detect shed antlers because the antlers have different scents and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedog's ability to detect different targetsVSAvoiddog's detection accuracy for antlers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating antler scent specifically on the dummy body where it is needed for detection. The scent carrier is positioned to emit scent locally at the dummy's location, making the dummy detectable to dogs without requiring the entire environment to have antler scent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the scent parameter of the training dummy to match that of real shed antlers. By using a scent carrier that emits antler scent, the dummy's olfactory characteristics are transformed to align with what dogs are trained to detect, improving their reliability in finding antlers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a scent carrier is added to the dummy body, then the dummy becomes detectable by dog's smelling activity, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetectability of dummy by dogVSAvoidstructure of retrieving dummy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scent carrier serves multiple functions: it emits antler scent for detection, can be attached to various dummy configurations, and can be adjusted to control scent intensity. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile training capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The scent carrier is designed to be adjustable, allowing users to modify scent intensity and distribution dynamically during training sessions. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different training stages and dog responses, making the increased complexity worthwhile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The dummy aids dogs in locating and retrieving shed antlers by utilizing the antler scent and shape, enhancing their training capabilities in natural settings, making it easier for hunters to find matching pairs.

Implementation Method 1

The pedicle may be made entirely from an absorbent material or the pedicle may include an absorbent material portion, the absorbent material portion holding the scent carrier therein or thereon.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8991336B2Retrieving tool for training dogs

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 MOORE JEREMY FR

AI summary

A retrieving tool including a retrieving dummy and/or a kit incorporating the same is provided that facilitates training a dog or puppy to find and/or retrieve antlers that were shed by antler bearing animals. The retrieving dummy is shaped to resemble a naturally grown antler and emits an antler scent. A scent carrier may be applied to the retrieving dummy, to allow the retrieving dummy to emit such antler scent. The kit may further include a second retrieving dummy that is less similar in shape, texture, hardness or feel, to a naturally grown antler than the first, and a scent intensity of the antler scent may be varied with use of the one or more retrieving dummies so as to allow for incremental or gradual introduction of the shape, feel, and/or scent of naturally grown antlers to the dog or puppy being trained.