Piezoelectric Bark Detection Coupling in Modular Dog Collars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current animal tracking and training systems require separate devices for tracking and stimulation, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for both users and animals, and lack efficient real-time location and behavior correction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular dog collar system integrating a tracking unit and a stimulus unit that can be docked together, allowing for real-time animal location tracking and customizable behavioral correction through shock, sound, or vibration stimuli, controlled via a handheld device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for tracking and stimulation, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system becomes cumbersome and increases device bulk and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tracking unit and stimulus unit into a single integrated bark collar device. The tracking unit includes a processor, memory, and communication interface, while the stimulus unit includes electrodes and stimulation circuitry. These previously separate devices are merged into one unit that can perform both real-time location tracking and behavioral correction functions simultaneously, reducing the number of devices the animal must wear and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bark collar is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device. The collar can track the animal's location via GPS, detect barking through acoustic sensors, deliver electrical stimulation through electrodes, and provide vibration feedback. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what previously required separate tracking and stimulation devices, reducing bulk while maintaining functional capabilities.
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for tracking and stimulation, then each device can operate independently, but mounting and operation becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the tracking unit and stimulus unit into a single bark collar device that is mounted once on the animal's collar. The tracking unit with its processor and sensors, and the stimulus unit with electrodes, are combined into one device that can perform both tracking and behavioral correction functions simultaneously, eliminating the need to mount and manage separate devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but the number of components increases and requires more mounting hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated bark collar device. The tracking unit includes a processor, memory, GPS receiver, and communication interface. The stimulus unit includes electrodes, stimulation circuitry, and power management. These previously separate devices with their own mounting requirements are merged into one unit that can perform both real-time location tracking and behavioral correction functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of components and mounting hardware needed.
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
Simplifies the mounting and operation of animal tracking and training systems by combining tracking and stimulation functions into a single collar device, providing effective real-time location and behavior correction, enhancing user convenience and reducing device bulk and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element for receiving the vibrations of the at least one acoustic event, the receiving the vibrations including generating an electrical signal proportional to the frequency and magnitude of the vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A collar unit device is described comprising a receiving cavity for receiving a metal electrode probe, wherein at least one elastomeric ring encircles the metal electrode probe, wherein the at least one elastomeric ring mechanically isolates the metal electrode probe from the receiving cavity. The device includes a piezoelectric element. The device includes a grommet component for maintaining the piezoelectric element in a secured position, wherein the secured position comprises the piezoelectric element maintaining contact with the metal electrode probe. The device includes the metal electrode probe for detecting vibrations of one or more acoustic events and transferring the vibrations to the piezoelectric element through the contact, the piezoelectric element for receiving the vibrations of one or more acoustic events, the receiving the vibrations including generating an electrical signal proportional to the frequency and magnitude of the vibrations, and at least one processor for receiving and processing the electrical signal.