Magnetic Mechanical Leash Attachment System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog leash attachment systems lack a combination of magnetic and mechanical components for secure and quick attachment to dog collars or harnesses, leading to potential separation during use and inconvenience in attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A dog leash attachment system featuring a quick-release fastener device with cooperatively configured magnetic and mechanical components, where one half is attached to the dog collar or harness and the other to the leash, providing magnetic attraction for rapid attachment and mechanical interlock for strength and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional snap ring or clasp attachment system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the attachment strength is insufficient and unintended separation occurs during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic components and mechanical components into a single integrated fastener device. The magnetic portion provides initial attraction and holding force, while the mechanical portion (snap ring or clasp) provides structural strength and prevention of unintended separation. This merging of two different component types resolves the contradiction by achieving both high attachment strength and controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener device uses composite construction combining magnetic materials (for attraction) with mechanical materials (for structural integrity). This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously exhibit magnetic properties for easy attachment and mechanical properties for secure holding, resolving the strength-complexity contradiction.
2Productivity
If a traditional snap ring or clasp attachment system is used, then the fastener structure is simple, but the attachment and detachment process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of magnetic and mechanical components enables a two-stage attachment process: the magnetic portion provides immediate attraction that guides and initiates the connection, while the mechanical portion completes the secure attachment. This merging allows rapid attachment (higher productivity) while maintaining a structured but not overly complex design.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic component performs a preliminary action by providing initial attraction and alignment before the mechanical component engages. This preliminary magnetic attraction speeds up the overall attachment process by guiding the components into proper alignment, reducing the time needed for complete attachment while keeping the device structure manageable.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic component is added to facilitate rapid attachment, then the attachment speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic component is merged with the mechanical component in a unified fastener device. This integration means the magnetic element is not an separate add-on but part of the overall structure, which manages complexity better than a completely separate magnetic attachment system would be.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic component replaces part of the purely mechanical interaction with a magnetic field-based interaction. This substitution provides ease of operation (the magnetic attraction automatically guides and holds the components) while the overall device complexity is managed through integrated design rather than separate systems.
4Ease of operation
If the free end of the disengaged fastener portion is left unsecured, then the device structure remains simple, but the fastener portion flops around creating inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
A second magnetic component is merged with the collar or harness structure to specifically address the flopping issue. This additional magnetic element provides a holding function for the disengaged portion without requiring complex mechanical restraints, improving user convenience while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical restraints or clips to prevent the fastener portion from flopping, the patent uses a magnetic field-based solution. The second magnetic component creates magnetic attraction that holds the disengaged portion in place, replacing what would otherwise require a more complex mechanical retention system.
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
Enables secure and rapid attachment of the leash to the collar or harness, resisting unintended separation and allowing easy release, while the additional magnetic component prevents the free end of the fastener from flopping when detached, enhancing user convenience and attachment range.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic component of one half is desirably attracted to the magnetic component of the other half and facilitates rapid hook-up of the leash to the dog collar or dog harness
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic attraction between the two magnetic components of the dog collar or dog harness can prevent the free end of the disengaged portion of the quick-release fastener device from flopping around when detached from the leash
Data Source
AI summary
A dog leash attachment system for selectively and releasably attaching a dog leash to a dog collar or harness, wherein the dog leash and the dog collar or dog harness each comprises a portion of a fastener device further comprising at least one magnetic attachment component and at least one mechanical attachment component. One portion of the fastener device is attached in fixed relation to the dog leash at a position proximal to the distal end of the dog leash. Another magnet is disclosed for use in maintaining a portion of the fastener device proximally to the collar or harness when the leash is not in use.