Microprocessor-Controlled Pet Stimulus Transformer Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for delivering electrical stimulation to pets lack precision and accuracy in voltage control, leading to under- or over-correction, which increases stress and decreases training effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a microprocessor-controlled switched mode power supply with feedback loops to precisely control and monitor voltage and pulse delivery, adjusting based on load resistance to ensure effective and minimally stressful stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrical stimulation is delivered directly from transformer output without precise control, then the system is simple to operate, but voltage control precision is poor leading to under- or over-correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual voltage delivered to the pet and comparing it with the desired voltage level. The system adjusts the transformer duty cycle based on this feedback to maintain precise voltage control. This resolves the contradiction by introducing measurement and control mechanisms that ensure accurate voltage delivery while managing system complexity through automated feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic voltage adjustment by varying the transformer duty cycle in real-time based on measured voltage levels and pet response. Rather than using fixed voltage output, the system dynamically adapts the stimulation parameters to maintain optimal control precision. This dynamic approach enables precise voltage control while the automation reduces the operational burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If fixed voltage levels are used without adjustment, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it causes under- or over-correction increasing pet stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepet stressVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors voltage delivery and pet response, adjusting stimulation levels in real-time to prevent both under-correction and over-correction. This feedback mechanism reduces harmful effects by ensuring stimulation remains within optimal ranges, while the automated control minimizes the complexity burden on operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes voltage parameters dynamically based on measured conditions and pet response. By adjusting voltage levels, pulse widths, and duty cycles in real-time, the system adapts to prevent harmful effects while maintaining effective training. This parameter adaptation reduces stress by avoiding excessive stimulation while ensuring sufficient correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If voltage levels are not monitored, then the system is simple to operate, but delivery effectiveness cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery effectivenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic monitoring and feedback to determine delivery effectiveness by measuring actual voltage delivered and comparing it with expected values. This ensures reliable operation by confirming successful charge delivery to the pet. The automated nature of this monitoring maintains ease of operation while significantly improving reliability of stimulation delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of voltage delivery parameters to ensure effective stimulation. By automatically detecting delivery effectiveness and adjusting parameters as needed, the system maintains reliable operation without requiring constant user intervention, thus preserving ease of operation while enhancing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach allows for precise and effective delivery of electrical pulses, reducing pet stress while maintaining training effectiveness by dynamically adjusting voltage levels based on skin resistance feedback.

Implementation Method 1

A microprocessor controlled transformer delivers precise voltage levels to a pet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10842128B2Method and apparatus for applying, monitoring, and adjusting a stimulus to a pet
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 RADIO SYST CORP
  • US10842128B2 patent drawing
  • US10842128B2 patent drawing
  • US10842128B2 patent drawing

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.