Pet Collar Impedance Detection for Humane Sensory Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet containment systems face limitations such as inaccuracy, high power consumption, dependence on radio communications, and potential for humane issues due to negative reinforcement and tissue damage from traditional shock collars, as well as limitations in portability and adaptability to different environments.
Innovation Solution
A collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit with rapid mount and non-necrotic stimulation, utilizing GPS and impedance detection for accurate location tracking and providing humane auditory, kinesthetic, or visual stimuli, with a planar electrode surface and user-removable cover to ensure safe and effective animal training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shock collars are used for pet containment, then location control capability is improved, but tissue damage and humane issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical shock delivery system with a sensory stimulation system that uses auditory, kinesthetic, or visual stimuli. The stimulation electrodes deliver non-necrotic electrical signals that activate sensory nerves without causing tissue damage, thereby maintaining location control capability while eliminating harmful tissue effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters delivered to the animal from high-voltage shock pulses to low-voltage sensory stimulation pulses. By controlling the amplitude, duration, and frequency of electrical signals, the system achieves effective behavioral correction without reaching thresholds that cause tissue damage or necrosis.
2Measurement precision
If GPS and radio communication systems are used for pet tracking, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic GPS location updates and radio communications only when needed (e.g., when the pet approaches boundary zones or when location accuracy is required for training). This periodic operation mode maintains location accuracy when necessary while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its location monitoring and communication frequency based on the pet's location relative to containment boundaries. When the pet is well within boundaries, location checks are less frequent; when approaching boundaries or in training modes, monitoring intensity increases, optimizing the balance between accuracy and power consumption.
3Reliability
If fixed containment structures like fences are used, then territory control is improved, but portability and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical fixed containment structures (fences, walls) with an electronic boundary system defined by GPS coordinates and virtual geofences. This allows the containment territory to be easily redefined by software without physical reconstruction, providing both reliable territory control and complete portability for travel or changing environments.
4Productivity
If electrical stimulation is applied without impedance detection, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but safety and humane treatment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates impedance detection as a feedback mechanism before and during electrical stimulation delivery. The system measures the electrical impedance of the contact surface to verify proper electrode placement and assess tissue condition. This feedback allows the system to adjust stimulation parameters in real-time, ensuring effectiveness while preventing tissue damage by detecting changes in impedance that indicate skin irritation or improper contact.
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 accurate and humane pet containment with extended battery life, improved training efficiency, and adaptability to various environments, reducing the risk of tissue damage and enhancing the positive reinforcement training experience.
Implementation Method 1
The impedance detector is coupled to the plurality of stimulation electrodes and is configured to detect an impedance of fur adjacent to the plurality of stimulation electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The electrical stimulation generator is enabled responsive to fur capacitance detection and disabled responsive to an absence of fur capacitance detection
Data Source
AI summary
A collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit includes a body. A generally planar stimulation unit and impedance-based fur detector in combination protect the animal from harmful stimulation. At least one sensory stimulator is configured to provide at least one of auditory, kinesthetic, and visual stimulation responsive to an output of a location sensor. One or more of a voltage, current, oscillation frequency, extent of modulation, or other output characteristic of the stimulation unit output is varied responsive to the detected fur impedance to protect and benefit both the body and mind of the animal.