Electrically Actuated Coupler with Pressure Mat Safety Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pet grooming stations pose a risk of injury to animals when they walk, jump, or fall off the table, particularly when restrained by a lead or noose, as existing systems lack a mechanism for safe and automatic release in case of an accidental departure.
Innovation Solution
An electrically actuated separable coupler is integrated with a pressure-sensitive mat system, where the electronics controller senses the presence or absence of a person or animal, maintaining the coupler's engaged state when they are present and automatically releasing the lead or noose with a selectable delay to prevent accidental hanging or strangulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an animal is restrained by a lead or noose during grooming, then the animal can be securely held in position, but the animal risks injury from hanging or strangulation if it falls or jumps off the table
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the state of the coupler from engaged to disengaged based on real-time detection of the groomer's presence. When the groomer steps away from the pressure-sensitive mat, the coupler automatically disengages, transforming a static restraint system into a dynamic safety system that adapts to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive mat provides continuous feedback about the groomer's presence to the control system, which then adjusts the coupler state accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the restraint system remains engaged only when the groomer is present to monitor and control the animal.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional mechanical coupler is used to attach the lead, then the connection is simple and reliable, but it cannot automatically release to prevent injury
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional purely mechanical coupler is replaced with an electrically actuated separable coupler that can be controlled by an electronic system. This substitution enables automatic engagement and disengagement based on electronic signals from the pressure-sensitive mat, providing intelligent control while maintaining mechanical reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the pressure-sensitive mat and the coupler. It receives input from the mat and translates it into appropriate coupler actions, providing a buffer that allows for additional safety features like time delays and alarm warnings before actual disengagement.
3Reliability
If the coupler releases immediately when the groomer steps away, then safety response is maximized, but accidental release during normal movement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions in a specific sequence: first triggering an alarm to warn of impending release, then waiting for a predetermined time period, and only then disengaging the coupler. This staged approach allows the groomer to react and prevent false release while still ensuring safety if the groomer genuinely steps away.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm and time delay serve as a cushioning mechanism between the detection of groomer absence and the actual coupler release. This buffer period allows for correction of false triggers while maintaining the ultimate safety function, effectively cushioning against the harmful effect of premature release.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of injury to animals by ensuring a safe and timely release of the tether, allowing for safer grooming practices without the need for constant manual supervision.
Implementation Method 1
At least one pressure sensitive mat is disposed either on or adjacent to the grooming table or tub, and the at least one pressure sensitive mat is adapted to sense a presence of a person or the animal on the pressure sensitive mat
Implementation Method 2
An electrically actuated separable coupler is mechanically coupled between said tether point and a lead to a collar or a noose
Data Source
AI summary
A pet grooming station includes an electrically actuated separable coupler mechanically coupled between a tether point and a lead to a collar or a noose. At least one wired or wirelessly coupled pressure sensitive mat is adapted to sense a presence of a person or an animal on the at least one pressure sensitive mat. The electrically actuated separable coupler is in a coupled state when the pressure sensitive mat senses the presence of the person standing on the mat. Or, when the person is no longer standing on the mat, the electrically actuated separable coupler separates. The electronic controls of the station can be programmed to provide a predetermined or selectable time delay in a range of about 0 to 2 seconds before causing the electrically actuate separable coupler to separate. An upgrade kit or modification kit for existing pet grooming stations is also described.