Dog Mobility Device Figure-Eight Paw Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dog therapy and training devices fail to effectively prevent or minimize the dragging or knuckling of a dog's paw, particularly in cases of hind limb weakness due to canine degenerative myelopathy, as they do not provide sufficient upward tension to the paw.
Innovation Solution
A dog mobility device featuring an elastic cord detachably connected to a harness and a paw loop configured in a figure eight configuration, which applies both forward and upward tension to assist the hind leg movement and prevent paw dragging, comprising a metatarsal strap section and a toe strap section to fit around the dog's metatarsus and inner toes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing dog therapy devices apply forward tension to the hind leg, then the dog can maintain mobility, but the paw continues to drag or knuckle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces upward tension in a vertical dimension to complement the existing forward tension. The elastic cord is configured to apply both horizontal (forward) and vertical (upward) forces to the paw, transforming a one-dimensional support system into a two-dimensional one that addresses both mobility maintenance and paw lifting simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord is divided into functional segments: a first portion that applies forward tension to the hind leg and a second portion that applies upward tension to the paw. This segmentation allows each portion to independently perform its specific function, resolving the contradiction between maintaining mobility and preventing paw dragging
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple elastic cord is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide sufficient upward tension to prevent knuckling
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord is designed with dynamic properties, being elastic rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt and provide appropriate tension forces. The elasticity enables the cord to store and release energy, providing sufficient upward tension to prevent knuckling while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple elastic material
Solution Approach 2:
The cord's configuration in a figure-eight pattern creates multiple tension vectors, with the second portion specifically oriented to provide upward tension. This dimensional arrangement allows a simple elastic cord to generate sufficient upward force to prevent paw knuckling
3Force
If the elastic cord is attached directly to the paw, then upward tension is applied, but the cord may cause injury to the paw
Solution Approach 1:
A paw loop is introduced as an intermediary component between the elastic cord and the paw. The paw loop is configured in a figure-eight pattern with a central opening that accommodates the paw, distributing the upward tension force across multiple contact points on the paw rather than concentrating it at a single attachment point, thereby reducing injury risk
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 device enhances the forward movement of the hind leg and prevents paw dragging, maintaining the dog's mobility and quality of life by providing necessary support and tension to the hind legs, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The dog mobility device 10 comprises an elastic cord 14 detachably connectable to a dog harness 18 at one end, and to a paw loop 32 at the other
Data Source
AI summary
An innovative dog mobility device is disclosed herein an comprises an elastic cord detachably connectable to a dog harness at one end, and to paw loop at the other. The paw loop is configured to engage one of the dog's paws and is defined by a material strip looped into a figure eight configuration. The material strip figure eight configuration further defines a metatarsal strap section and a toe strap section, wherein the metatarsal strap section is configured to receive and fit about the dog's metatarsus, and wherein the toe strap section is configured to receive and fit about the dog's inner toes.