Pressure-Sensitive Animal Training Control for Proportional Stimulus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing animal training devices lack the ability to adjust cue signals proportionally and quickly to match an individual animal's temperament and distraction levels, often resulting in ineffective training due to abrupt stimulus changes.

Innovation Solution

A system with a hand-held transmitter and a receiver that uses pressure-sensitive input to control stimulus amplitude, allowing gradual and proportional adjustment of cues based on the animal's adrenal release and background distractions, including sensor data integration for environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a selector dial with many discrete levels is used to adjust cue signal intensity, then the device can offer multiple selectable levels, but the discrete levels may not accurately match the animal's adrenal release and distraction levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of cue signal levelsVSAvoidprecision of stimulus level matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from discrete parameter selection (selector dial with fixed levels) to continuous parameter adjustment (proportional pressure input). The pressure-sensitive transducer converts varying pressure magnitudes into corresponding stimulus amplitude levels, allowing the stimulus parameter to change proportionally with the applied pressure, thereby achieving precise matching of stimulus levels to the animal's physiological state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical selector dial system with an electronic pressure-sensitive transducer system. The transducer converts mechanical pressure input into electrical signals that directly control the stimulus amplitude, eliminating the discrete mechanical level selections and enabling continuous, proportional control of stimulus intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If many discrete levels are provided for cue signals, then more options are available for different dog temperaments, but the proper level may exist in the non-selectable signal levels in-between the selectable discrete levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of available stimulus levelsVSAvoidease of quick adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous control of stimulus levels through pressure-sensitive input, eliminating the gaps between discrete levels. The transducer responds continuously to varying pressure magnitudes, providing an unbroken range of stimulus amplitudes that can be smoothly adjusted without the need to select from predetermined discrete steps, thus capturing the proper level that may exist between traditional selectable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If discrete stimulus levels are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the device cannot provide proportional gradual levels that can be quickly adjusted to match the dog's focus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of device structureVSAvoidability to match animal's adrenal release

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pressure-sensitive transducer as an intermediary device that bridges the simple mechanical input (pressure applied by the user) and the complex output requirement (precise stimulus level matching). The transducer acts as a mediator that converts simple pressure variations into precisely controlled electrical signals, providing proportional gradual levels without significantly complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system enables effective animal training by ensuring the stimulus intensity matches the animal's focus, preventing confusion and improving performance through controlled gradual amplitude changes.

Implementation Method 1

The transducer may include a force sensitive resistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12599113B2Animal training device that controls stimulus using proportional pressure-based input

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 CJE PROD

AI summary

A system for training animals includes a hand-held device and a remote device, where the remote device applies a stimulus when a user presses a button or trigger on the hand-held device. The amount of pressure applied is measured by a pressure sensitive transducer and transformed into proportional transducer signals. These transducer signals are transmitted to the remote device, which then applies a stimulus to an animal being trained. The amplitude of the applied stimulus corresponds to the amplitude of the transducer signals; a trainer can thus precisely control the intensity of the stimulus by applying and relieving pressure on the button. The type of stimulus applied is controlled based on the position of a rotary switch on the hand-held device. Sensor data generated by specialized sensors in the remote device may be transmitted to the hand-held device to provide the user with sensory feedback.