Retractable Leash Movable Handle Biometric Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pet owners face challenges in securing their pets with retractable leashes, as existing devices often fail to allow secure attachment to secondary objects with one hand, leading to leash separation and potential pet escape.

Innovation Solution

A retractable leash with an integrated locking system featuring a movable handle assembly that can transition between open and closed positions, including a biometric sensor-activated electronic lock and a location module, allowing secure attachment to any secondary object with one hand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a retractable leash is used to allow pet movement, then the pet can move away from the leash handle, but the leash becomes difficult to secure to secondary objects with one hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleash flexibilityVSAvoidsecuring ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is divided into fixed and movable sections that can independently position themselves. The movable section can be actuated to open the handle, allowing the leash to be secured to objects with one hand while maintaining flexibility during movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly transitions between static and dynamic states through the movable section mechanism. When actuated, the handle opens to allow secure attachment to secondary objects, then returns to its closed position for normal leash operation, providing adaptability between different usage states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the leash is secured to a chair or secondary object, then the pet owner can use both hands, but the leash becomes separated from the chair and the animal runs away

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand availabilityVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable section is pre-configured to open the handle assembly before attachment to secondary objects. This preliminary opening action allows the leash to be securely fastened to chairs or other objects, ensuring reliable attachment while the owner uses both hands for other tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly automatically returns to its closed position after attachment, securing the leash to the secondary object without requiring continuous manual intervention. The mechanism self-locks in the closed position, providing reliable attachment while the owner performs other tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the leash, then the attachment becomes more secure, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is merged with the existing handle assembly structure, combining the securement function with the flexible handle design. The movable section and spring mechanism work together with the handle segments to provide both security and flexibility without adding separate complex locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism automatically actuates the movable section to open the handle when needed, and the handle assembly self-locks in the closed position when attached to secondary objects. This self-service operation provides reliable attachment security without requiring complex manual locking procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10834904B2Retractable leash with integrated locking system
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 LEASH LOCK LLC
  • US10834904B2 patent drawing
  • US10834904B2 patent drawing
  • US10834904B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A retractable leash with integrated locking system includes a main body having a plurality of sides that define an interior space. An elongated leash cord extends through an aperture in the main body and is connected to a retractable mechanism that is positioned within the main body. A locking handle assembly is connected to the main body and transitions between an open position and a closed position. The handle assembly includes a fixed section and a movable section that is hingedly secured to the main body. An electronic lock is positioned within the handle assembly and is selectively activated by a biometric sensor. A location module is positioned within the main body, and a light and charging port are positioned along the main body.