Animal Harness With Flexible Closed-Loop Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing animal restraints, such as neck collars and fixed harnesses, either choke the animal or cause discomfort due to binding when not pulled, while failing to securely restrain when needed.

Innovation Solution

A harness with a flexible closed loop that adjusts its shape to loosen around the torso when not pulled and tighten when pulled, distributing the pulling force over the upper torso to avoid choking and discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a neck collar is used to restrain the animal, then the restraint is simple and effective, but the animal is choked when the leash is pulled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of restraintVSAvoidchoking of animal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system is divided into separate components: a collar that remains on the neck and a detachable sternum cover with extensions that distribute the pulling force across the torso. This segmentation allows the collar to remain simple while adding torque-resistant functionality through the separate sternum cover assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sternum cover merges with the collar through extensions that connect to form a distributed restraint system. When the leash is pulled, the force is merged across multiple contact points (collar and sternum cover) rather than concentrating on the neck alone, preventing choking while maintaining restraint effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed-length harness is used to wrap around the torso, then the animal is not choked, but the animal feels uncomfortable and binding when not pulled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavoidance of chokingVSAvoidcomfort of animal

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The harness transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic system where the closed loop can elongate and contract. When not pulled, the loop relaxes and elongates to provide a comfortable, non-binding fit. When pulled, the loop contracts to provide secure restraint, adapting its state based on the applied force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the closed loop (length, shape, tension) change in response to pulling force. The loop transitions from a relaxed state with greater dimensions when not pulled to a contracted state with reduced dimensions when pulled, allowing the harness to provide comfort at rest and security during restraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed-length harness is used, then the structure is simple, but the harness cannot securely restrain the animal when pulled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of harness structureVSAvoideffectiveness of restraint

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closed loop transitions from a static fixed-length component to a dynamic element that responds to pulling forces by contracting and elongating. This dynamic behavior provides secure restraint when needed while maintaining simplicity in the overall harness structure, avoiding the need for complex adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The closed loop automatically adjusts its tension and dimensions in response to pulling forces without external intervention. When the leash is pulled, the loop self-contracts to provide secure restraint; when released, it self-elongates to return to a comfortable state, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the closed loop is made flexible to adjust shape, then the harness loosens when not pulled and tightens when pulled, but the loop width and height vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort when at restVSAvoidvariation of loop dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The closed loop's physical parameters (width, height, tension) are designed to change in response to pulling forces. The loop transitions between specific dimensional states: a relaxed elongated state for comfort when not pulled, and a contracted state for secure restraint when pulled, with the dimensional changes being a functional feature rather than a defect.

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

The harness provides comfort when at rest and effective restraint when needed, minimizing choking and pressure points by distributing the pulling force evenly across the animal's body.

Implementation Method 1

The closed loop is made of a flexible material enabling the closed loop to change its shape when pulled or pushed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250324946A1Harness for an Animal

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 YUN YEU HOON

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.