Finger-Worn Ring Switch for Hands-Free Animal Training Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for animal training require manual operation, which can be uncomfortable and limit the ability to perform tasks with both hands, and may cause interference between devices.

Innovation Solution

A hands-free remote control system comprising a ring with attachable switches and wireless communication, allowing for bidirectional control of an animal training collar without manual handling, using ZigBee or Bluetooth technology for communication and unique identification codes to prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handheld remote control is used for animal training, then the device can be operated wirelessly, but the user experiences discomfort and cannot perform tasks with both hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operation comfortVSAvoidremote control system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control system is segmented into three independent components: a ring worn on the finger with switches, a handheld remote control unit, and a receiver collar. This segmentation allows the critical control function to be detached from the hand, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ring worn on the finger acts as an intermediary device between the user's intent and the remote control system. It captures control inputs through finger-worn switches and transmits them wirelessly to the remote control unit, serving as a mediator that enables hands-free operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple animal training devices operate in the same area, then individual animal training is possible, but interference between devices occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual animal management capabilityVSAvoiddevice operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the remote control unit receives signals from the ring, processes them, and transmits appropriate commands to the receiver collar. This feedback loop ensures that control signals are properly routed and acknowledged, preventing interference between multiple devices operating in the same area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter changes in the form of unique identification codes and wireless communication parameters for each device. By varying these parameters, the system can distinguish between multiple devices operating simultaneously, preventing interference while maintaining individual animal management capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 comfortable, hands-free operation of remote-controlled animal training devices, allowing individual management of animals without device interference, using a ring-mounted switch system that communicates with a remote control and collar via radio waves.

Implementation Method 1

wireless telecommunication means with a remote control; a wireless remote control provided with wireless telecommunication means on the one hand with said ring and on the other hand with an electronic receiver device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2124136B1Hands-free device for remote control
Publication Date: 2012.08.22 MARTIN CHARLES
  • EP2124136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2124136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2124136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system has a hands-free control device in a form of a ring (1) fixed on a finger of a user's hand using an attachment unit (11) e.g. elastic band or Velcro(RTM: hook and loop fastener) tape. A wireless remote control (2) processes information obtained from the ring via a short range wireless telecommunication unit (3), and sends a control order to a training collar (5) via a long range wireless telecommunication unit (4). The ring includes a microcontroller connected to switches (12, 13) of the ring, a battery and an antenna of a radio transmitter.