Compact Pet Leash Control Device with Dual Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable pet leashes are often bulky, lack a reliable braking mechanism, and may accidentally extend or retract due to accidental button engagement, making them cumbersome and unsafe for walking pets.
Innovation Solution
A compact leash control device with a housing, cable wheel, and dual locking mechanisms: a first locking mechanism that engages when the button is not pressed and a second mechanism that prevents accidental button press-down when a pulling force is applied, ensuring controlled extension and retraction of the leash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable leash mechanism is implemented, then the leash can be extended and retracted without tugging and pulling, but the housing becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the cable wheel inside the housing, the button inside the housing, and the spring coiled around the cable. These nested arrangements maximize space utilization within the compact cylindrical housing, allowing all functional components to fit without increasing overall device volume significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including the spring-loaded button mechanism that automatically returns to its original position, the rotatable cable wheel that winds and unwinds the leash cable, and the movable locking components that engage and disengage based on button pressure. These dynamic features enable the leash to extend and retract smoothly without requiring a bulky housing.
2Reliability
If a braking mechanism is added to control leash extension, then the leash length can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the spring-loaded button mechanism that automatically engages the locking feature when the leash reaches a certain length and the user releases the button. The spring automatically returns the button to its engaged position, providing automatic braking control without requiring additional complex mechanisms or user intervention beyond simple button release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback through the spring mechanism that provides tactile resistance when the leash reaches its maximum extended position, and through the automatic engagement of the locking feature that provides feedback to the user when the leash is properly secured. This feedback system enables reliable leash length control without adding significant complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the button is made easily pressable for leash extension, then the operation is simpler, but accidental button engagement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action through the spring-loaded button mechanism that requires deliberate downward pressure to overcome the spring force and disengage the locking feature. The spring continuously applies an upward force that counteracts any accidental pressing forces, ensuring the button can only be pressed intentionally when the user applies sufficient force to overcome the spring's resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the button mechanism pre-positioned in the engaged state with the spring already compressed and ready to push the button upward. The locking feature is pre-configured to engage with the cable wheel before extension begins, ensuring that the leash is secured before any extension action occurs, and the button must be deliberately pressed to disengage this pre-established locking state.
4Volume of moving object
If the housing is made compact to fit in palm, then the device is more portable, but the internal mechanisms may become cramped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the internal mechanisms into distinct modular components: the button assembly with spring, the cable wheel with cable, the locking feature components, and the housing with top and bottom sections. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the compact overall size, and enabling easier assembly and maintenance of the internal mechanisms.
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 device allows for controlled extension and retraction of the leash, preventing accidental engagement and providing a safer, more comfortable walking experience by ensuring the leash can only be extended when intentionally pressed, and retracting when not in use, while being compact enough to fit in a user's palm or as a collar accessory.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring configured to bias the button in an upward direction to cause the button to engage with the cable wheel
Implementation Method 2
the cable wheel is configured to rotate freely about a central axis when a pulling force is applied to the leash cable
Data Source
AI summary
A leash control device includes: a housing including a top cover and a bottom cover rigidly connected to the top cover; a cable wheel including a cylindrical outer ring, the cylindrical outer ring being configured for a leash cable to be wounded on an outer surface of the cylindrical outer ring; a button having a cylindrical member configured on an upper portion of the button and a base configured on a lower portion of the button, the cylindrical member being configured to be extended through a central hole of the top cover; and a compression spring configured to bias the button in an upward direction to cause the button to engage with the cable wheel; wherein: when a pressing force is applied to the cylindrical member of the button to counter an upward biasing force of the compression spring and no pulling force is applied to the leash cable, the button is configured to be pressed down and disengaged from the cable wheel, and after the button is disengaged from the cable wheel, the cable wheel is configured to rotate freely about a central axis when a pulling force is applied to the leash cable, causing the leash cable to unwind and extend out of the leash control device; and when the button is not pressed down and a pulling force is applied to the leash cable, a vertical post configured on an upper surface of the bottom cover interferes with an underside surface of the base of the button, preventing the button to be pressed down.