Retractable Collar Strap Twister for Longer, Tangle-Free Leads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current restraining devices with integrated retractable leads face issues such as unstable housing attachment, insufficient strength for larger animals or children, cumbersome design, and short lead lengths, which can cause discomfort and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A restraining device with a retractable strap housed in a casing that includes a strap twister to change the strap's orientation, ensuring it deploys parallel to the collar strap, and a secure attachment mechanism using pins and loops, along with an optional ancillary lead system for added convenience and safety features like identification tags and ergonomic handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a retractable lead is housed in a compact casing, then the device size is minimized, but the lead length becomes shorter than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the retractable lead from a radial deployment (perpendicular to collar strap) to a parallel deployment (along the collar strap direction) using a strap twister mechanism. This dimensional reorientation allows the lead to extend in a different spatial dimension, effectively increasing usable lead length without proportionally increasing housing volume.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is made removable for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but the attachment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where the housing can be selectively removed and reattached to the collar strap. The attachment mechanism uses pins that engage with loops on the collar strap, providing a stable connection during use while allowing easy removal when needed. This dynamic design balances permanence with flexibility.
3Device complexity
If a cord lead is used to minimize housing size, then device complexity is reduced, but the lead strength becomes insufficient for larger animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the lead from thin cord to wide flat strap. This parameter change increases the lead's strength and durability to handle larger animals while maintaining a compact profile when retracted. The strap width provides both increased strength and reduced bulk compared to a longer cord.
4Ease of operation
If the lead is deployed radially from the housing, then retraction is simplified, but entanglement and discomfort to the animal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a strap twister mechanism to change the deployment dimension of the lead from radial (perpendicular to collar) to parallel (along collar strap direction). This reorientation prevents the lead from crossing over the animal's neck or body, eliminating entanglement risks and discomfort while maintaining smooth retraction through the twisted path.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved restraining device may include a retractable strap lead, a housing in which the retractable strap lead is at least partially housed, and a twister for changing the orientation of the retractable strap so that, in use, the orientation of the strap is changed as it is deployed from the housing.