Autonomous Roping Dummy Hitch for Solo Practice Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current roping dummies require a second person to operate, limiting solo practice and failing to replicate the erratic movements of livestock, making it difficult for riders to improve their skills effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a vehicle, a roping dummy, and a hitch device with a pressure switch, magnet, and linear actuator that allows for autonomous operation, enabling the vehicle to move forward, stop, and resume movement based on lassoing and releasing the dummy, along with remote sensors for boundary navigation and autonomous driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a roping dummy is attached to an ATV or UTV with a second person driving, then the rider can practice roping skills, but the requirement of a second person limits regular solo practice

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSolo practice capabilityVSAvoidNeed for operator assistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is equipped with autonomous driving capabilities using sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, cameras) and a controller that automatically navigates the vehicle around the arena, allowing the roping dummy to operate independently without requiring a second person to drive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual driving operation is replaced by an automated control system using electronic sensors and a controller to navigate the vehicle, substituting the mechanical human-operated driving with an automated electronic control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a roping dummy is attached to a stationary pivot or track, then solo practice is enabled, but the movements are overly simplistic and less comparable to actual livestock movements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMovement realismVSAvoidSolo practice capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a stationary pivot or track to a dynamically moving vehicle that can accelerate, decelerate, and change direction autonomously, creating more realistic and variable movements that better simulate actual livestock behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary mechanical pivot or track system is replaced with an automated vehicle system using electronic sensors and control algorithms to generate dynamic, realistic movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the vehicle moves forward continuously, then the roping practice can proceed, but the vehicle needs to stop and resume movement based on lassoing events

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePractice continuityVSAvoidMotion control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a hitch device with a magnetic coupling mechanism that detects when the lariat is attached to the dummy, providing feedback to the controller to automatically stop the vehicle, and when detached, providing feedback to resume movement after a delay period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical coupling and decoupling of the lariat is detected by a magnetic sensor system that automatically controls the vehicle's motion, substituting manual operation with automated sensor-based control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables solo practice with a roping dummy that mimics realistic calf movements, allowing riders to improve their skills without assistance, enhancing their roping abilities by providing an authentic rodeo-like experience.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure switch (e.g., electromechanical sensor or pressure contact)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic surface on a distal end of the threaded rod is placed in alignment with the pressure switch and magnet such that a circuit is closed whenever pressure measured on a surface of the pressure switch exceeds a predetermined threshold value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

an extension spring that substantially surrounds a threaded rod, positioned along the first side of the receiver tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

the linear actuator may be activated, thereby pushing the shaft farther within the receiver tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS20250100333A1System for roping practice

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 SAGERS DALLON

AI summary

A system for roping practice includes a vehicle, a roping dummy, and a hitch device couplable between the vehicle and the roping dummy. A switch on or near a bumper of the vehicle is configured to stop the vehicle from moving, allowing for a riderless vehicle. When a user lassos and pulls against the roping dummy, the switch is actuated, thereby ceasing forward movement of the vehicle. Once the user is ready to lasso again, the user may initiate the drive mode of the vehicle once more. In some examples, the vehicle is autonomously driven using a navigation system and/or one or more transmitters positioned along the boundaries of a practice arena.