Multi-Layered Protective Covering for Attack Dog Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current protective sleeves for training attack dogs are bulky, hazardous, expensive, and have low durability, leading to risks for trainers and dogs, and create a disconnect between training and real combat scenarios, resulting in potential mis-bites and fear in dogs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered protective covering with flexible layers, including a body-interface material, force-dissipating material, soft-tissue simulating material, and puncture-resistant material, designed to provide safety for trainers while mimicking human skin to reduce disconnection between training and real combat, and configured into wearable devices such as sleeves or full-body suits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional protective sleeves are used for training attack dogs, then trainers and dogs are protected from injury, but the sleeves become bulky, hazardous, and expensive with low durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidsleeve bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective covering is divided into multiple functional layers, each serving a specific protective function. The layers include a puncture-resistant layer (e.g., Kevlar®) for tear and puncture protection, a foam layer for impact absorption, and a skin-simulating outer layer for training realism. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall flexibility and reducing bulk compared to traditional single-layer protective sleeves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective covering employs composite material construction by combining different materials with complementary properties. The puncture-resistant material (Kevlar®) provides tear resistance, the foam material (e.g., Poron®) provides impact absorption, and the outer layer (e.g., pigskin or silicone) provides skin-like characteristics. This composite approach achieves superior protection with reduced bulk and improved durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If traditional protective sleeves are used, then trainers are protected, but dogs experience disconnect from real combat scenarios leading to mis-bites and fear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrainer safetyVSAvoidtraining realism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective covering applies different material properties to different layers to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The outer layer is specifically designed with skin-simulating properties (texture, temperature, flexibility) to provide realistic bite feedback to dogs, while inner layers provide protection. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the covering to be both protective and realistic, bridging the gap between trainer safety and training effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective covering modifies physical parameters of the protective material to match human skin characteristics. The outer layer is designed with specific temperature ranges (body temperature), flexibility parameters, and textural properties that simulate human skin. These parameter changes enable dogs to receive authentic tactile feedback during training while the underlying protective layers maintain trainer safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional protective sleeves are used, then protection is provided, but the cost is high and durability is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection levelVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective covering is segmented into modular layers that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each layer using appropriate materials and processes, reducing overall production costs while maintaining protection standards. The modular design also enables easier replacement of worn layers, extending the overall product lifespan and reducing long-term costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective covering design allows for selective replacement of worn or damaged layers while retaining functional layers. For example, if the outer skin-simulating layer wears out, only that layer needs replacement rather than the entire protective covering. This extends the service life of the product and reduces long-term manufacturing costs and waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS10602791B2Multi-layered protective covering and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2020.03.31 NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
  • US10602791B2 patent drawing
  • US10602791B2 patent drawing
  • US10602791B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided herein are multi-layered protective coverings, wearable multi-layered protective devices, and methods of using the multi-layered protective coverings and wearable multi-layered protective devices.