Dual-Antenna Animal Containment System with Selective Zone Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal containment and repelling systems are limited in their ability to simultaneously define and manage multiple containment and restricted areas effectively, lacking the capability to selectively activate antennas for precise control over animal movement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base unit with both internal and external antennas, where a signal generating module drives signals into these antennas to radiate containment and repelling stimuli to a rover unit carried by an animal, allowing for the definition of multiple containment and restricted areas, and selective activation of antennas for containment or repelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single antenna is used in existing containment systems, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot simultaneously define multiple containment and restricted areas with precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into an internal antenna and an external antenna, each independently controllable. The internal antenna is positioned within the base unit housing while the external antenna extends outward, allowing them to define different spatial zones (containment areas vs. restricted areas) with independent signal control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic selective activation where the signal generating module can independently control and activate either the internal antenna, external antenna, or both simultaneously based on the desired containment or repelling function, providing adaptable control over animal movement zones.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are added to enable simultaneous containment and repelling, then the control precision over animal movement improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna functions are merged into a single base unit housing. The internal antenna and external antenna are integrated within the same base unit, sharing common power supply and control circuitry, which reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate units for each antenna type.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions (containment and repelling) through its dual-antenna configuration. The signal generating module can selectively activate appropriate antenna combinations to achieve different operational modes, making the device multi-functional without requiring separate specialized units.
3Shape
If the base unit housing is made compact to improve aesthetics, then the aesthetic appeal improves, but the space for antenna placement and signal radiation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The internal antenna is nested within the base unit housing, while the external antenna extends from the housing. This nested configuration allows the compact housing to contain the internal antenna without requiring additional external space, maintaining aesthetic appeal while providing functional antenna placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The external antenna extends outward from the base unit housing in a different spatial dimension, allowing it to radiate signals effectively without increasing the footprint or overall size of the base unit. This dimensional extension solves the space constraint while maintaining a compact aesthetic appearance.
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 simultaneous containment within designated areas and repelling from restricted areas, with the ability to adjust stimulus intensity and area definitions, providing enhanced control over animal movement and aesthetic appeal through customizable base unit design.
Implementation Method 1
The signal generating module generates a first signal and drives the signal into the internal antenna such that the first signal radiates from the internal antenna. The signal generating module also generates a second signal and drives the signal into the external antenna such that the second signal radiates from the external antenna.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described is an animal containment/repellant system for, among other things, containing an animal within a containment area and simultaneously repelling the animal from a restricted area. More specifically, the animal containment/repellant system includes multiple signal transmitting antennas that simultaneously define multiple cooperating containment areas, restricted areas, or combination of containment and restricted areas.