Collar-Mounted GPS Stimulation Unit with Quick-Mount Clips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet containment systems using GPS and radio links face limitations such as accuracy issues, high computational demands, battery life problems, interference from environmental factors, and the use of negative reinforcement, leading to ineffective training and potential harm to pets.
Innovation Solution
A fully self-contained collar system utilizing GPS and stimulation technology that provides positive reinforcement, with a compact design capable of determining location and providing stimuli without external components, using quick-mount retention clips and humane electrical stimulation, and adaptable to various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS and radio link systems are used for pet containment, then location tracking capability is improved, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination methods (GPS, cellular triangulation, radio triangulation) within a single collar system. This redundancy allows the system to maintain accurate location tracking even when one method is interfered with or unavailable, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary that receives location data from the collar and processes it to determine if the pet is within the safe zone. This intermediary layer filters and validates location information, reducing the impact of environmental interference on the final containment decision
2Adaptability or versatility
If self-contained collar design is implemented, then adaptability and portability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed as a self-contained unit that integrates multiple functions: location determination (GPS, cellular, radio), communication (two-way radio link), and stimulation delivery. By making the collar universal and self-sufficient, the system achieves high adaptability and portability while managing complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into two main segments: a portable collar worn by the pet and a base station for configuration and monitoring. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be distributed, with the collar handling location tracking and communication while the base station handles zone management and system configuration
3Productivity
If electrical stimulation is used for training, then behavioral correction effectiveness is improved, but harm to the pet increases causing necrotic tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of electrical stimulation to use low voltage, low current, and pulsed delivery mode. These parameter modifications reduce the harmful effects on the pet's tissue while maintaining sufficient effectiveness for behavioral training, thereby improving the safety profile without completely sacrificing training productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical stimulation is delivered as periodic pulses rather than continuous current. This pulsed delivery allows tissue to recover between stimuli, preventing necrotic damage while still providing effective behavioral correction when needed
4Reliability
If positive reinforcement is implemented, then training quality and pet well-being are improved, but training time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback to the pet through electrical stimulation when approaching the boundary, allowing real-time correction of behavior. This instantaneous feedback accelerates the learning process compared to delayed reinforcement methods, reducing overall training time while maintaining high training quality through consistent positive reinforcement
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 enables efficient and humane pet training by providing accurate location determination and positive reinforcement, reducing training time and minimizing interference from environmental factors, while ensuring the pet's safety and well-being.
Implementation Method 1
The collar also includes a GPS receiver for determining the location of the collar
Implementation Method 2
provides positive reinforcement, with a compact design capable of determining location and providing stimuli without external components, using quick-mount retention clips and humane electrical stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
A collar-mounted GPS and stimulation unit includes a body. Quick-mount retention clips extend from the superior and inferior lateral edges, bend in a 90 degree angle towards the center, and extend for a short distance before terminating. The preferred embodiment collar mounted GPS unit is preferably slightly wider than a standard nylon dog collar. The collar is made of a flexible material, such as nylon, leather and most other common collar materials, and can operatively be pinched to fit in between the quick-mount clips, then released to expand into normal shape within the space between the retention clips and the ends of the collar-mounted GPS and stimulation unit. A special stimulation unit is used in combination to protect the animal from harm.