Reduced-Pull Leash Lateral Force Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leashes can lead to injuries in both dogs and their walkers due to pulling, as untrained dogs may exert significant force, causing choking, falls, and joint strains.
Innovation Solution
A reduced-pull leash system comprising an extendible first leash section and a longer second leash section, where the first section couples to a dog harness at the back and the second section to the front, generating a lateral force when the second section becomes taut, discouraging the dog from pulling by making it harder to move forward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional leash is used, then the leash structure is simple, but the dog can pull hard causing injuries to both the dog and the walker
Solution Approach 1:
The leash is divided into two distinct sections: a first leash section that extends when the dog pulls, and a second leash section that generates lateral force. This segmentation allows each section to perform a specific function - the first section absorbs the pulling force while the second section provides corrective lateral force, thereby reducing harmful effects without requiring a completely complex redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The first leash section acts as an intermediary between the dog's pulling force and the walker. It extends elastically to absorb and delay the force transmission, preventing direct transmission of harsh pulling forces to the walker while still allowing the second section to apply corrective lateral force through the harness
2Length of moving object
If the leash is made longer to allow more movement, then the dog can explore more, but the dog can pull harder and cause more injury
Solution Approach 1:
The first leash section is designed to be extendible, allowing it to dynamically adjust its length based on the dog's pulling action. When the dog pulls, the first section extends to absorb the force; when the dog stops pulling, it returns to its original length. This dynamic behavior allows the leash to maintain effectiveness regardless of the dog's size or pulling strength
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the first leash section from a fixed length to an extendible state. By altering the parameter of length from constant to variable, the leash can adapt to different pulling forces and dog sizes, maintaining safety while allowing adequate movement range
3Ease of operation
If the leash applies strong corrective force to stop pulling, then the dog learns not to pull, but the dog may be injured by the corrective force
Solution Approach 1:
The corrective lateral force is applied locally at the front of the dog's body through the second leash section and harness, rather than applying force at the neck or using a shock collar. This localized application at the front chest area provides effective training feedback while avoiding concentration of force that could cause injury to the throat or neck
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 effectively reduces the force exerted on the walker by laterally pulling the dog, training it to stop pulling and minimizing the risk of injuries to both the dog and the walker.
Implementation Method 1
a first leash section that is extendible... the first leash section extends when a dog pulls on the leash
Implementation Method 2
a lateral force is generated at the front location of the dog by the second leash section so as to pull the dog laterally
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a reduced-pull leash device includes a first extendible leash section and a second leash section. The second leash section is longer than the unextended first leash section. The first leash section's first end is configured to couple to or near the second leash section's first end. The first leash section's second end is configured to couple to a harness at a location on top of a dog. The second leash section's second end is configured to couple to a harness at a front location of the dog. The lengths of the first and second leash sections are configured so the first leash section extends when a dog pulls on the leash until the second leash section becomes taut. Once the second leash section becomes taut, a lateral force is generated on the dog to pull the dog laterally. Numerous other embodiments are provided.