Capacitive Animal Detection Shielding Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and controlling animal behavior are inadequate for specific animal types, particularly cats and small dogs, as they often misfire or are difficult for these animals to use due to design limitations that require mechanical linkages or excessive power, failing to effectively detect and respond to their behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computing device with a detection electrode and animal signaling device that uses changes in electrical capacitance to determine an animal's position and control signaling, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and excessive power, and includes a shield to minimize interference, allowing for ultra-low power operation and effective monitoring and control of animal behavior without mechanical linkages or excessive power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical linkages are used to detect animal presence, then the device can be activated by animal interaction, but the device complexity increases and requires excessive power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages with capacitive sensing technology. The detection electrode measures changes in electrical capacitance caused by the animal's proximity or contact, eliminating the need for mechanical switches, levers, or pressure sensors. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable animal behavior detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the animal and the detection system. The detection electrode creates an electrical field that interacts with the animal's body capacitance, providing a non-mechanical means of detection that reduces system complexity and power requirements.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkages are used to detect animal presence, then the device can be activated by animal interaction, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical components with low-power capacitive sensing. The detection electrode requires minimal power to maintain the electrical field, significantly reducing power consumption compared to mechanical switches, motors, or pressure sensors while maintaining reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic scanning of the detection electrode rather than continuous operation. The system periodically measures capacitance changes and activates the annunciator only when animal presence is detected, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable detection capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single design product is created for all animals, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device misfires and animals cannot consistently use it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables adjustable detection parameters including sensitivity thresholds, detection zones, and activation conditions. These parameters can be customized for different animal types, sizes, and behaviors, allowing a single device design to reliably interact with various animals while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities where detection parameters can be modified based on the specific animal or situation. The system can adapt sensitivity levels, detection thresholds, and response patterns to match different animal characteristics, ensuring consistent interaction across diverse species while using a unified device platform.
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 system effectively monitors and controls animal behavior by accurately detecting animal presence and position, enabling communication and actuation without mechanical linkages or excessive power, improving functionality for cats and small dogs, and reducing false detections.
Implementation Method 1
The computing device is configured to detect a change of an electrical capacitance at a detection electrode
Implementation Method 2
includes a shield to minimize interference, allowing for ultra-low power operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling animal behavior are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system comprises a computing device comprising at least one processor and memory. The system includes a detection electrode and an animal signaling device. The computing device is configured to detect a change of an electrical capacitance at a detection electrode. The computing device is also configured to determine a position of an animal based on the change in the electrical charge. Further, the computing device is configured to control the animal signaling device to communicate a signal in response to determining the position of the animal.