Illuminated Animal Outerwear for Low-Light Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Animals, especially pets and livestock, often become difficult to see in low-light conditions, posing safety risks for both the animals and their handlers.

Innovation Solution

Development of an illuminated animal outerwear, such as a coat or vest, designed to conform to the shape of the animal and incorporate illumination devices to enhance visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If animals are allowed to roam outdoors in low-light conditions, then they can exercise and explore, but they become difficult to see and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to exercise and explore outdoorsVSAvoidsafety risks from low visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies illumination elements (lights) to the animal garment that emit visible light to change the optical properties of the garment. This makes the animal visible in low-light conditions while allowing them to roam freely outdoors for exercise and exploration, directly resolving the visibility-safety contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If illumination devices are added to animal outerwear, then visibility increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility in low-light conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of outerwear structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into separate, modular components that can be independently attached to the garment. The illumination elements are discrete units that can be added without redesigning the entire garment structure, thereby increasing visibility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outerwear is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as protective clothing and as a platform for illumination elements. The garment structure itself provides the base framework, while illumination components are added as supplementary functional elements, allowing the same base design to support visibility enhancement without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the outerwear conforms closely to the animal's body shape, then comfort and protection improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from environmental elementsVSAvoidprecision needed to conform to animal shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The outerwear utilizes flexible, stretchable materials that can adapt to the animal's body contours without requiring precise manufacturing to each individual animal's shape. The flexible fabric naturally conforms to the animal's form while maintaining comfort and protection, reducing the need for high-precision custom manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 illuminated animal outerwear significantly increases the visibility of animals in low-light conditions, enhancing safety for both the animals and their handlers, while also providing protection from environmental elements.

Implementation Method 1

The light source may be configured as, but not limited to, a rechargeable light emitting diode (LED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The exterior surface of the animal garment may be formed of a water-repellent fabric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater repellency: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS20250287917A1Illuminated animal outerwear
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 VOGT QUINN
  • US20250287917A1 patent drawing
  • US20250287917A1 patent drawing
  • US20250287917A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an animal garment designed to provide enhanced comfort, protection, and functionality. The garment comprises an exterior surface formed of a water-resistant material, an interior lining providing thermal insulation, and a fastening device for secure attachment. It includes adjustable fit mechanisms to accommodate various animal body types and may feature an illumination portion configured to receive an illumination device for enhanced visibility. The garment may also include light-reflective elements, elastic components for improved conformity, and reinforced stitching for durability. A selectively attachable collar portion is designed to prevent heat loss and enhance comfort. Additional features include pockets for storage and a flap to prevent direct contact between fastening devices and the animal's fur. The garment is constructed from washable and reusable materials while maintaining water-resistant and thermal properties. This innovation enhances pet safety, comfort, and usability in various environmental conditions.