Pet Stimulus Control via Feedback Voltage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for delivering electrical stimulation to pets lack precision in voltage control and effectiveness monitoring, leading to under- or over-correction and increased stress during training.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a microprocessor-controlled switched mode power supply and feedback loop to precisely control and monitor electrical stimulus pulses, adjusting voltage based on skin resistance to ensure effective delivery while minimizing pet stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical current is delivered directly from transformer output, then stimulation is applied to the pet, but voltage control precision is poor and delivery effectiveness cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor monitors the actual voltage delivered to the pet and provides this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the transformer output based on this feedback to maintain precise voltage control. This resolves the contradiction by adding monitoring capability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electrical connection from transformer to pet with an electronic control system including a controller, sensor, and adjustable transformer. This substitution enables precise voltage control and monitoring while maintaining the essential stimulation function.
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied without monitoring delivery effectiveness, then training can proceed, but under- or over-correction occurs and pet stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors voltage delivery effectiveness and feeds this information to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time to ensure reliable delivery while preventing excessive stress on the pet. This closed-loop control directly addresses both reliability and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage and stimulation parameters based on real-time monitoring of pet response and skin resistance changes. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal delivery effectiveness while minimizing stress by avoiding excessive or prolonged stimulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed voltage levels are used for electrical stimulation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different pets and conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage levels based on real-time monitoring of skin resistance and pet response. The controller automatically adapts stimulation parameters to match individual pet characteristics and training requirements, providing high adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own output and modifying voltage levels based on detected skin resistance and delivery effectiveness. This self-service capability provides adaptability to different pets while keeping the control system relatively simple, as the system manages its own optimization without external complexity.
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 precise and accurate delivery of electrical pulses, reducing stress and improving training effectiveness by dynamically adjusting pulse magnitude based on real-time monitoring of voltage and recharge time.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the microcontroller configured to provide a voltage at a first value to the primary winding for a first period of time, the providing the voltage for the first period of time including initiating delivery of the voltage at time t0 and ceasing the delivery at time t1, the ceasing the delivery inducing a flow of current through the secondary winding and the secondary circuit
Implementation Method 2
the secondary circuit comprises at least one resistor, at least one diode, and a resistive load, wherein the resistive load is variable
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is described comprising a microcontroller coupled to a transformer, wherein the transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the microcontroller is connected to a secondary circuit at a first location. The microcontroller is configured to provide a voltage at a first value to the primary winding for a period of time, wherein ceasing the delivery of the voltage induces a flow of current through the secondary winding and the secondary circuit, wherein the secondary circuit comprises at least one resistor and a resistive load, wherein the resistive load is variable. The microcontroller is configured to measure and/or compute voltage, time constant and peak current values with respect to the secondary circuit. The microcontroller is configured to monitor the intensity level at the resistive load using peak current and time constant values.