Impact-Activated Leg Wrap for Horses Using Motion-Sensing LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for animals, particularly horses, are energy inefficient and limited in visibility range, relying on reflected light which is only effective for short distances.
Innovation Solution
An impact-activated illuminating leg wrap with a microcontroller, accelerometer, and light emitting diodes integrated into reflective straps, which activates lighting upon movement, providing directional illumination without the need for external energy sources or reflected light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflected light systems are used for animal visibility, then the device complexity is low, but the illumination intensity and visibility range are limited to short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive reflected light systems with active LED illumination systems. The accelerometer-based movement detection mechanism triggers LED activation, substituting mechanical reflection with electronic emission to achieve extended visibility range while maintaining reasonable device complexity through motion-activated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system operates periodically based on animal movement detection. The accelerometer triggers LED illumination only during movement events, creating periodic activation patterns that extend effective visibility range while conserving battery energy, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If continuous lighting is provided for animal visibility, then the illumination intensity is high, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic, movement-triggered illumination instead of continuous lighting. The accelerometer detects animal movement and activates LEDs only during these events, providing sufficient illumination intensity when needed while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system serves itself by using the animal's own movement as the trigger mechanism. The accelerometer monitors the animal's motion and automatically activates illumination without external control, providing high illumination intensity during movement while conserving energy through motion-based activation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If movement-activated lighting is implemented, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex continuous control systems with simple movement-triggered activation. The accelerometer serves as a straightforward motion sensor that automatically activates LEDs based on detected movement, achieving high energy efficiency through motion-based control without requiring complex electronics or software management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the animal's movement itself as the control signal, eliminating the need for external switches or complex control circuits. The accelerometer-based movement detection provides automatic, self-regulating control that improves energy efficiency while keeping the device architecture relatively simple.
4Length of stationary object
If reflected light systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the visibility range is limited to short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive reflected light with active LED emission systems. The movement-activated LEDs provide self-generated illumination that extends visibility range far beyond what reflected light can achieve, while the accelerometer-based trigger keeps device complexity manageable through automatic motion sensing.
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 provides efficient and extended visibility of a moving animal's location and direction, enhancing safety and visibility in dark environments by utilizing movement-activated lighting that is energy-efficient and not reliant on reflected light.
Implementation Method 1
A first microcontroller is attached to the second layer with a first elastic strap. The first microcontroller further comprises an accelerometer and is configured with instructions to: receive input from the accelerometer about movement.
Implementation Method 2
A series of upper reflective strap light emitting diodes is inserted through the series of upper reflective strap perforations and connected to the upper reflective strap.
Implementation Method 3
An upper reflective strap is attached to the hook fastener and perforated with a series of upper reflective strap perforations.
Data Source
AI summary
An impact-activated illuminating leg wrap is configured to provide light on a moving animal. The impact-activated illuminating leg wrap includes a first layer joined to a second layer wherein the second layer further comprises a hook fastener. An upper strap is fixed to the loop fastener and attached to an upper strap loop fastener. The upper strap is adapted to be wrapped around a leg of an animal forming a rear leg wrap concave contour. An upper reflective strap is attached to the hook fastener and perforated with a series of upper reflective strap perforations. A series of upper reflective strap light emitting diodes is inserted through the series of upper reflective strap perforations and connected to the upper reflective strap. A first microcontroller is attached to the second layer with a first elastic strap.