Pet Positioning Stands Using Engagement Instead of Physical Restraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for restraining pet movement during procedures often cause stress and discomfort, leading to harmful effects and the need for veterinarian assistance.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a first stand with a body support positioned between a pet's fore and hind legs and a second stand with an adjustable platform holding an engaging item, allowing the pet to remain in a standing position while interacting with the item.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical restraint devices (harnesses, leashes, loops) are used to control pet movement, then pet movement is restrained, but harmful effects occur (injury from struggle, choking, suffocating) and stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepet movement controlVSAvoidinjury and stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes physical restraint devices entirely from the system. Instead of using harnesses, leashes, or loops to control pet movement, the system extracts the harmful physical constraint element and replaces it with a distraction-based approach using engaging items (toys, treats, electronic devices) that occupy the pet's attention without physical contact or restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - an engaging item (toy, treat, or electronic device) - that mediates between the pet and the restraint need. This intermediary occupies the pet's attention and encourages voluntary stillness without direct physical constraint, thereby reducing stress and harmful effects while maintaining movement control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical restraint systems are used to keep pets in position, then pet position is controlled, but the environment becomes stressful and uncomfortable for the pet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepet position controlVSAvoidstress and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the pet's natural tendency to move and explore (which causes restraint needs) into a beneficial state of voluntary stillness. By providing engaging items that capture the pet's attention, the system transforms what would be problematic movement into a calm, focused state where the pet chooses to remain in position, eliminating stress and discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If physical restraint is used during procedures, then pet movement is limited, but procedures take longer due to pet discomfort and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepet movement limitationVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing engaging items before the procedure begins. These items (toys, treats, electronic devices) are positioned to capture the pet's attention in advance, encouraging the pet to voluntarily assume and maintain a still position before the actual procedure starts, thereby reducing overall procedure time without physical restraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If simple physical restraint devices are used, then device complexity is low, but harmful effects and stress occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint system structureVSAvoidinjury and stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical restraint system (harnesses, leashes, loops) with a non-mechanical approach using engaging items. Instead of physical force and mechanical constraint, the system uses the pet's natural interest and engagement with toys, treats, or electronic devices to achieve movement control, thereby eliminating harmful effects while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4456717B1System and method for restraining movement of pet without physical constraint

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 MARS INC

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AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for confining pet movement without physical restraint are disclosed herein. The systems and devices (300) may include a first stand (320) including an adjustable body support (318), a first middle portion (316), and a first base portion (314), the first middle portion (316) configured to move the adjustable body support (318) vertically based on a height of a pet; a second stand (310) including an adjustable platform (308A), a second middle portion (306), and a second base portion (304), the second middle portion (306) configured to move the adjustable platform (308A) vertically based on the height of the pet, the adjustable platform (308A) configured to retain an item that is placed on a first surface (309) of the adjustable platform (308A); and a base (302A) onto which the first stand (320) and the second stand (310) are mounted.