Flexible-Loop Animal Harness for Distributed Leash Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal restraints, such as neck collars and fixed-length harnesses, either choke the animal or cause discomfort by concentrating pressure at a single point, failing to provide a comfortable and secure fit that adjusts to the animal's movement.
Innovation Solution
A harness design incorporating a flexible closed loop connected to a sternum cover and collar, which adjusts its shape to loosen or tighten around the torso based on leash tension, distributing the pulling force over the upper torso to prevent choking and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a neck collar is used for restraint, then the restraint is simple, but the animal is choked when the leash is pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into separate functional components: a collar portion for neck attachment, a sternum cover for chest coverage, and a closed loop for force distribution. This segmentation allows the pulling force to be distributed across multiple body parts rather than concentrated on the neck, eliminating choking while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed-length harness is used, then the animal is not choked, but the animal feels uncomfortable and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The closed loop is designed to be dynamically adjustable in length and shape based on the pulling force applied. When the leash is not pulled, the loop relaxes to a larger size allowing comfortable movement. When pulled, the loop contracts to provide secure restraint. This dynamic adaptation eliminates both choking and discomfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a harness with a closed loop is used, then the pulling force is distributed over the torso, but the closed loop must change shape when pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The closed loop is constructed from flexible material that can dynamically change its shape and dimensions. This flexibility allows the loop to contract and expand as needed to distribute pulling forces across the animal's torso while maintaining structural integrity and providing effective restraint.
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 harness provides a comfortable fit that minimizes choking and pressure points by distributing the pulling force over the animal's body, ensuring secure restraint without discomfort, even when the leash is pulled.
Implementation Method 1
The closed loop is made of a flexible material enabling the closed loop to change its shape when pulled or pushed
Data Source
AI summary
A harness for an animal has a collar, a sternum cover, a closed loop, and a link connecting an upper section of the collar and the closed loop. The sternum cover extends from the collar to the end of the sternum cover (a sternum-cover end). The right side of the sternum cover has a right extension, and the left side of the sternum cover has a left extension. The right extension is connected to the closed loop and the left extension is connected to the closed loop. The closed loop is made of a flexible material enabling the closed loop to change its shape when pulled or pushed.