Leash-Pole System with Elastic Attachment and Graphite Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leash systems do not effectively allow pet owners to control, discipline, or protect their pets, as they lack the necessary functionality for accurate control and protection beyond just preventing pets from running away.
Innovation Solution
A leash-pole system with a flexible graphite extension, an elastic leash attachment, and an eyelet latch mechanism that allows for extended reach and control, along with a retractable leash and attachment accessories such as a light and pooper-scooper, providing enhanced control and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple leash and leash retractor system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and protection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The leash system is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid leash pole for structural support and positioning, a flexible extension for reach adjustment, a retractable leash mechanism for controlled extension, and various attachment points for different functions. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to overall control precision without requiring the entire system to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash pole serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a mounting point for the retractable leash, offers attachment points for accessories (pooper-scooper, light), and serves as a control lever. This multi-functionality increases control capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid and inflexible leash is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different situations and pet behaviors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The leash system employs different material properties in different locations: the leash pole is rigid and inflexible for structural stability, while the extension and retractable leash portions are flexible to adapt to pet movement and various situations. This local differentiation of material properties allows the system to maintain stability where needed while providing adaptability where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with movable components. The retractable leash mechanism allows the leash length to change dynamically based on pet behavior, and the flexible extension allows the pole to bend and adapt to forces applied by the pet, providing both stability and adaptability.
3Speed
If a short and fixed-length leash is used, then the control responsiveness is improved, but the reach distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable leash is nested within the leash pole structure, allowing a long leash to be contained within a compact form. When retracted, the system maintains short effective length for responsiveness; when extended, it provides increased reach distance. The nesting arrangement allows both short and long states to coexist in a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash length is made dynamic through the retractable mechanism, allowing the user to adjust the effective length based on the situation. For close control, the leash remains retracted providing quick responsiveness; for greater distance, the leash can be extended while maintaining control through the pole mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional features like light and pooper-scooper are added, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pooper-scooper and light are merged with the leash pole structure, using the same structural components and attachment mechanisms. The pooper-scooper attaches to the end of the pole, and the light can be mounted on the pole or integrated into the handle. This merging approach allows multiple functions to be provided without creating separate independent systems, thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
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 leash-pole system enables pet owners to maintain better control and protection over their pets by allowing adjustable length, secure attachment, and additional features like a light for low-light conditions and a pooper-scooper for waste management, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic band may be stretched to about 100% or more of its original length when subjected to a force, and the return to its original length when the force is removed. The flexible or elastic band may extend through a leash aperture of the leash, such as a leash retractor to form a first loop and a second loop around the leash attachment portion of the leash-pole, thereby attaching the leash to the leash-pole.
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the handle may be a soft and elastic material that deforms when gripped by the user/owner and returns to its original shape when the user/owner releases their grip.
Implementation Method 3
The flexible extension may be made substantially of graphite, meaning that the flexible extension may be made of at least 80% graphite by mass. The graphite of the flexible extension may be flexible graphite, which is created by submerging flake graphite into chromatic acid and/or sulfuric acid, and then exposing the flake graphite to heat. Flexible graphite allows the flexible extension to have elastic properties so that the flexible extension can bend and then return to its original shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A leash-pole system includes a leash-pole, an eyelet latch having a latch leash guide, a leash attachment, and a leash. The leash may be coupled to the leash-pole by the leash attachment. The leash may extend from an owner end, through the hand of a user/owner, along the leash-pole, through the latch leash guide, and to a pet end, where the leash may be coupled to a collar of a pet.