Mechanically Compliant Probe for Animal Electrical Stimulus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional animal training systems face challenges in delivering electrical stimuli comfortably and safely, as stainless steel probes cause discomfort and risk of pressure necrosis, while pliable covering probes reduce efficacy and pose allergenic and shunting risks.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically compliant stimulus delivery probe with a conductive and compressible member and a stainless steel tip member, designed to absorb forces and maintain contact with the animal, reducing discomfort and safety risks while maintaining efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stainless steel probe is used, then electrical stimulus delivery efficacy is improved, but animal comfort deteriorates due to rigidity causing discomfort and pressure necrosis risk
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid stainless steel tip member for effective electrical stimulus delivery and a compliant member for comfort and force absorption. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe combines two different materials with complementary properties: stainless steel for electrical conductivity and rigidity at the tip, and a compliant material for mechanical flexibility and comfort. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials in appropriate locations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a pliable covering is used, then animal comfort is improved, but electrical stimulus delivery efficacy deteriorates and allergenic residue is deposited
Solution Approach 1:
The probe separates the comfort function (compliant member) from the stimulus delivery function (stainless steel tip), allowing the tip to remain exposed for effective electrical contact while the compliant member provides comfort where it contacts the animal.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the probe have different material properties tailored to their specific functions: the tip is rigid and highly conductive for effective stimulus delivery, while the compliant member is flexible and comfortable for animal wear, with each material property localized to where it is most needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a pliable covering is used, then animal comfort is improved, but shunting risk increases when fur is moist
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure segments the electrical contact function from the comfort function, with the stainless steel tip providing reliable electrical contact that is not compromised by the compliant member, thus preventing shunting while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant member acts as an intermediary that provides comfort and force absorption without interfering with the electrical stimulus delivery function, as the stainless steel tip remains exposed and directly contacts the animal for reliable electrical contact even when fur is moist.
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 probe effectively delivers electrical stimuli, reducing localized force on the animal, enhancing comfort and safety by absorbing applied forces and preventing allergenic reactions and shunting.
Implementation Method 1
the compliant member is resiliently compressible in the direction of the force between the animal training device and the animal
Implementation Method 2
The compliant member is electrically conductive and in electrical communication with the animal training device. The tip member is also electrically conductive and is mechanically secured to the compliant member such that the tip member is in electrical communication with the compliant member
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a mechanically compliant stimulus delivery probe for delivering an electrical stimulus to an animal. The stimulus delivery probe is mechanically secured to an animal training device that is adapted to be carried by the animal and to generate the electrical stimulus. When the animal training device is carried by the animal, the stimulus delivery probe is positioned in physical contact with the animal such that the stimulus delivery probe delivers the electrical stimulus to the animal. The stimulus delivery probe is also mechanically compliant to the extent that the force applied by the animal training device against the stimulus delivery probe is substantially absorbed by the stimulus delivery probe, reducing the localized force realized by the animal. The reduction of the force realized by the animal promotes safety and comfort for the animal.