Leash Article Dispenser Centroid Alignment Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leashes for domestic animals are cumbersome and lack ergonomic efficiency, making it difficult for handlers to perform tasks like accessing treats or operating tools while maintaining control over the animal.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an article dispenser within the leash, which aligns its centroid with the tension forces, preventing torque and allowing for responsive handling without compromising the ability to access stored items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an article dispenser is integrated into the leash, then handlers can access articles without removing hands from the leash, but the dispenser may cause torque and twisting that reduces handling responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the article dispenser with the leash into a single integrated unit, where the dispenser is mechanically coupled to the tensile members. This merging allows handlers to access articles while maintaining leash control, eliminating the need to remove hands from the leash to access treats or supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the centroid of the article dispenser to align with the axis of tension forces generated during leash use. By equating the gravitational force acting on the dispenser with the tension forces, the system achieves a balanced state where the dispenser does not create unwanted torque or twisting, maintaining handling responsiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the article dispenser is positioned to align with tension forces, then the leash feels more ergonomic and responsive, but the dispenser may bounce or swing during sudden tension application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent aligns the centroid of the article dispenser with the axis of tension forces, creating a balanced configuration where gravitational force and tension forces are equated. This positioning ensures that during sudden tension application, the dispenser remains stable and does not bounce or swing excessively, as its center of mass is already positioned along the force vector.
3Ease of operation
If the centroid of the article dispenser is aligned with tension forces, then rotation of the leash does not cause excessive torque, but the dispenser may still apply torque when the centroid is offset by more than one quarter of its dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the centroid of the article dispenser such that it aligns with the axis of tension forces, creating a balanced state where gravitational and tension forces are equated. This positioning ensures that during rotation of the leash, the dispenser does not generate excessive torque, as its center of mass remains aligned with the force vector throughout the rotation.
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
Enhances the ergonomic efficiency of leash handling by allowing handlers to access articles without twisting or bouncing, improving responsiveness and compliance of the animal to commands.
Implementation Method 1
In response to the article dispenser bearing a threshold amount of tension between the tensile members, a centroid of the article dispenser aligns within a threshold distance of being collinear with a force that generates the tension
Implementation Method 2
The article dispenser includes a first end that is mechanically coupled with the first tensile member, a second end that is mechanically coupled with the second tensile member, and a rigid housing that is disposed between the first end and the second end
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for integrated article dispensers for leashes which provide greater handling and responsiveness. One embodiment is an apparatus is in the form of an article dispenser that includes a first end for coupling with a first tensile member, a second end for coupling with the second tensile member, and a rigid housing between the first end and the second end. The rigid housing defines an internal volume for storing articles, and that further defines an opening. In response to the article dispenser bearing a threshold amount of tension, a centroid of the article dispenser aligns within a threshold distance of being collinear with a force that generates the tension. While the centroid of the article dispenser is within the threshold distance of being collinear, rotation of the system about an axis of the forcer applies less than a threshold torque to the tensile members.