Off-Leash Training Leash With Adjustable-Angle Positioning Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leash designs for pets fail to maintain a comfortable and consistent positioning of the pet relative to the owner during walks, leading to arm fatigue and inconsistent training, which complicates off-leash training.
Innovation Solution
A pet training apparatus with a retractable leash and an angle adjuster mechanism that allows for adjusting and locking the angle between the pet and the user, using a semi-rigid or rigid rod to maintain the pet's position next to or behind the user, enhancing user comfort and training efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed-length or retractable leash is used with the owner holding their arm behind them, then the pet can be positioned next to or behind the owner, but the owner experiences arm fatigue and reduced control strength
Solution Approach 1:
The leash system is segmented into a rigid rod portion and a flexible leash portion. The rigid rod provides structural support and maintains the correct angle, while the flexible leash allows for natural movement. This segmentation transfers the structural support function from the owner's arm to the rod, eliminating arm fatigue while maintaining control strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid rod acts as an intermediary between the owner's hand and the pet's collar. Instead of the owner's arm directly controlling the leash at an awkward angle, the rod serves as a mechanical intermediary that maintains the optimal angle and transfers control forces efficiently, preserving owner strength and control.
2Ease of operation
If the owner holds their arm behind them to position the pet correctly, then the pet can be placed next to or behind the owner, but the arm angle becomes inconsistent due to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the positioning function (handled by the rigid rod at fixed angle) from the movement function (handled by the flexible leash), the system eliminates the variability introduced by human fatigue. The rod's fixed angle ensures consistent pet positioning regardless of owner fatigue level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the positioning element from flexible (arm) to rigid (rod). This parameter change ensures that the angle remains constant and does not vary with fatigue, providing stable and consistent pet positioning throughout the walk.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid rod is used to maintain consistent pet positioning, then arm fatigue is reduced and positioning consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leash is divided into distinct segments: a rigid rod for positioning and a flexible leash for movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving consistent positioning without requiring a completely complex new device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the rigid rod structure with the traditional flexible leash in a single integrated device. The rod and leash work together as a unified system, combining the benefits of rigid positioning with flexible movement control, rather than requiring separate devices.
4Ease of operation
If the leash creates an angle forward-of-vertical, then the pet is positioned in front of the owner, but this prevents the pet from feeling secure and interpreting body language
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the leash to naturally create a forward-of-vertical angle (which places the pet in front), the invention inverts the approach by using a rigid rod that enforces a backward angle, positioning the pet behind or next to the owner. This inversion corrects the problematic positioning inherent in traditional leash designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the angle parameter from forward-of-vertical (traditional) to backward angle (optimal for training). The rigid rod structurally enforces this angle change, ensuring the pet is consistently positioned in the correct location for security and effective body language communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A pet training apparatus is designed to prepare for off-leash walking and other activities. The apparatus includes a leash housing having a handle portion and a reel housing portion. A leash includes a proximal end coupled to a reel in the reel housing portion, and a distal end having a connector configured for attaching to a pet collar or harness. The leash is retractable and the leash housing has an opening through which the leash extends. An angle adjuster is coupled to the leash housing and configured to rotate relative to the leash housing. An elongate rod is coupled to the angle adjuster. The leash is coupled to, and axially extendable and retractable relative to, the elongate rod such that an angle of the leash relative to the leash housing is selected by rotating the angle adjuster so that the elongate rod is at a desired angle.