Integrated Dog Collar Tracking and Stimulus Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current animal tracking and training systems require separate devices for tracking and stimulation, which are cumbersome and often illegal in competitions, as they involve dual systems with independent control units and circuitry.
Innovation Solution
An integrated modular dog collar system that removably couples a tracking unit with a stimulus unit, sharing circuitry and power, allowing for selective coupling and decoupling, and using a common control device for both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tracking and stimulation systems are used, then each system can operate independently with dedicated control, but the overall system complexity increases and requires multiple control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tracking unit and stimulus unit into a single integrated collar system that shares common circuitry, power supply, and control mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of separate control devices needed while maintaining the ability to perform both tracking and stimulation functions through a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated collar system is designed to perform multiple functions (tracking and stimulation) through a single device with shared resources. The common control device can selectively activate different functions based on operational mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control units for each function.
2Reliability
If two separate systems are employed for tracking and training, then each function has dedicated control, but the bulk and weight on the animal increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the tracking and stimulation systems into a single integrated collar with shared power supply, circuitry, and housing, the total weight imposed on the animal is significantly reduced compared to using two separate systems. The common structural support and shared components eliminate redundant weight.
3Device complexity
If integrated circuitry is used for tracking and training, then system complexity is reduced, but the system becomes illegal for competition use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components where the stimulus unit can be selectively removed from the tracking unit. This segmentation allows the collar to operate in different configurations: with the stimulus unit attached for training operations, and without it for competition use, thereby maintaining competition eligibility while preserving training functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The modular design enables the collar to transition between different operational states (tracking-only mode for competitions, combined tracking and stimulation mode for training) by selectively attaching or detaching the stimulus unit, providing adaptability to different usage scenarios.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular stimulus unit is used that can be selectively removed, then competition eligibility is maintained, but the coupling and decoupling mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into distinct modular units (tracking unit and stimulus unit) with defined interfaces for coupling and decoupling. This segmentation enables selective attachment and removal of the stimulus unit through a standardized mechanical interface, balancing the need for adaptability with manageable structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and apparatus to track and control an animal is described, including a tracking unit to track the animal, and a stimulus unit to provide a stimulus to the animal, wherein the tracking unit and stimulus unit are configured to be coupled together. The stimulus unit is entirely a slave device to the tracking unit and has no independent smart circuitry, no independent power supply and no antennae. Accordingly, the stimulation unit is dependent upon the tracking unit for operation, power and for communication to and from a remote hand held control device.