Horse Visual Field Blocker for Calming Excited Animals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The long training period for horses and the risk of accidents due to their excitement in unexpected situations pose a significant barrier to the accessibility and safety of equestrian sports, especially for novice riders, as trained horses may become uncontrolled and unpredictable.

Innovation Solution

An animal control device equipped with sensors that detect movement and visual field blockers with adjustable light transmittance, which partially or completely block a horse's visual field to calm and control the animal when it exceeds predetermined speed or positional references, thereby reducing excitement and maintaining control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If horses are trained using repetitive learning methods, then horses can be controlled according to human intentions, but the training period becomes very long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorse controllabilityVSAvoidtraining period

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by proactively detecting excitement signs (such as increased speed or positional deviations) before the horse becomes fully uncontrollable. The visual field blocker is prepared in advance and activated only when needed, rather than requiring long-term training to establish control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The visual field blocker acts as an intermediary between the rider and the horse's natural excited state. It mediates the situation by selectively blocking the horse's vision to calm it down, providing a tool that supplements training rather than replacing it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If well-trained horses are used for riding, then riding safety should be improved, but horses may still become excited in unexpected situations and cause accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveriding safetyVSAvoidhorse excitement in unexpected situations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides beforehand cushioning by having the visual field blocker ready to be deployed when excitement is detected. This pre-prepared safety mechanism cushions against the harmful effects of sudden horse excitement, protecting riders even when training isn't sufficient for all scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor continuously monitors the horse's state and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the visual field blocker accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system detects excitement signs and responds automatically, creating a safety net that works regardless of the horse's training level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the visual field blocker completely blocks the horse's visual field to calm it down, then horse control is improved, but the horse may become confused or panicked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorse controlVSAvoidhorse confusion or panic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies partial action by blocking only a portion of the horse's visual field rather than completely obscuring it. This partial blocking is sufficient to calm the horse by limiting distracting visual stimuli while leaving enough vision to prevent confusion or panic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The visual field blocker dynamically adjusts its blocking level based on the horse's excited state. The control unit can modulate the degree of visual field blockage, making it a dynamic solution that adapts to the intensity of the horse's excitement rather than applying a fixed level of restriction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device effectively calms and controls excited horses by reducing their visual field, thereby preventing accidents and making horseback riding safer for novice riders by limiting the horse's speed and maintaining its focus within designated areas.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to detect movement of an animal; The sensor may comprise a speed sensor to measure a moving speed of the animal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpeed detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a visual field blocker disposed to block a visual field of the animal, and having a light transmittance which is controlled according to a signal detected by the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmittance control: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20230284592A1Animal control device and animal control system including the same

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 KIM DAE SUNG

AI summary

Provided are an animal control device and an animal control system including the same. The animal control device includes a sensor configured to detect movement of an animal, and a visual field blocker disposed to block a visual field of the animal, and having a light transmittance which is controlled according to a signal detected by the sensor.