Retractable Leash Electronic Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractable leashes have complex structures with numerous mechanically interacting elements, leading to wear and vulnerability to dirt ingress, and lack the ability for prompt adjustment of leash length, which complicates control over pet movements.
Innovation Solution
A retractable leash with a spring-loaded spool and electronic control system that reduces mechanical elements, using sensors and actuators to manage leash length and locking, allowing for electronic control of spool movement and locking, thereby simplifying the structure and enhancing operational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical locking device is used to control leash length, then the structure becomes complex with numerous mechanically interacting elements, but the ability to control pet movement is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical button-actuated locking mechanism with an electronic control system. A sensor detects the position of a slider, and an electronic controller automatically actuates the locking mechanism based on the detected position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical couplings and reducing the number of mechanically interacting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic controller as an intermediary between the user's manual input (slider position) and the locking mechanism activation. This intermediary processes the position information and automatically triggers the appropriate locking action, simplifying the direct mechanical connection that would otherwise be required.
2Ease of operation
If numerous mechanically interacting elements are used in the retractable leash, then the control functionality is improved, but the number of wear spots and vulnerability to dirt ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical couplings with an electronic sensing and control system. The sensor detects slider position without mechanical contact, and the electronic controller manages the locking sequence, significantly reducing the number of mechanical interfaces that are subject to wear and dirt ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the appropriate locking action based on the detected slider position without requiring the user to understand or manage the underlying mechanical interactions. The electronic controller self-manages the coordination between the slider position and locking mechanism activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical button system is used for controlling leash length, then the structure is established, but the ability to promptly adjust maximum leash length is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the maximum leash length is not fixed by mechanical constraints alone but can be adjusted through electronic control based on the slider position. The system adapts the locking behavior dynamically according to the detected position, allowing prompt adjustment of the maximum allowed length without reconfiguring mechanical elements.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical locking is used, then the leash can be locked at a required length, but the reel loses its retraction advantage and becomes just a fixed-length rope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic or conditional locking mechanism that locks only when specific conditions are met (detected slider position), rather than continuously locking. This allows the reel to maintain its retraction functionality during normal operation while providing locking capability when needed, preserving the dynamic advantages of the reel system.
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 design simplifies the structure, reduces wear, and enables permanent operative control over pet movements without complex actions, improving user comfort and reducing the risk of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded spool having a leash wound thereon
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuator of the means for locking the movement of the spool, said actuator being connected to the electronic device for controlling
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for self-retracting leashes having adjustable leash length and intended for walking and/or training of dogs and other animals. A retractable leash has been developed which comprises a housing containing a spring-loaded spool having a leash wound thereon and a device for controlling the length of the leash, comprising at least one means for locking the movement of the spool, wherein the device for controlling the length of the leash comprises a device for determining the movement of the spool, an electronic device linked thereto for controlling said means for locking the movement of the spool, a device for activating and deactivating the electronic device for controlling the means for locking the movement of the spool, at least one actuator of the means for locking the movement of the spool, said actuator being connected to the device for controlling the means for locking the movement of the spool, and at least one power supply.