Retractable Pet Leash Variable Brake System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retractable leashes often experience slack in the leash cord, leading to tangling, jerking forces, and safety hazards for both pets and users, as they lack effective control mechanisms to manage leash length and tension.
Innovation Solution
A retractable pet leash with a variable braking system, featuring a one-touch brake and length control mechanism that ensures the leash remains taut, applies gradual braking force, and emits an audible signal when the set length is reached, allowing for controlled pet movement and enhanced user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a stop mechanism is used to lock the leash cord, then the leash length can be controlled, but slack in the cord occurs and causes tangling and jerking forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stop mechanism with an electromagnetic braking system. The electromagnetic brake applies continuous adjustable friction force to the reel, eliminating the sudden locking action that causes jerking. This substitution allows for smooth, progressive control of leash tension without slack or tangling issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking force is made dynamically adjustable through electronic control, allowing the system to adapt to varying leash tension requirements. The brake can apply different levels of friction depending on the situation, providing continuous control rather than fixed stop positions, thereby maintaining cord tension and preventing slack.
2Speed
If a rapid stop mechanism is applied, then the pet can be stopped quickly, but jerking forces are applied to the user and pet causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic brake applies force progressively rather than instantly, creating a periodic or staged deceleration effect. The brake can incrementally increase friction force over time, allowing the pet to slow down gradually rather than experiencing sudden jerking, thus reducing harmful forces on both pet and user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by applying increasing brake force in advance of a complete stop. The electromagnetic brake can detect approaching stop conditions and gradually increase friction, cushioning the deceleration process and preventing sudden jerking forces that would otherwise occur with rapid stopping.
3Force
If the brake force is increased to stop the pet, then the pet can be controlled, but the housing may be pulled from the user's hand causing discomfort and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor brake force application and user grip conditions. When excessive force is detected that could pull the housing from the user's hand, the system automatically adjusts brake force downward, providing continuous feedback control to maintain safe operating forces that control the pet without injuring the user.
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 provides safer and more controlled pet handling by preventing jerking motions, reducing the risk of tangling and injuries, and allowing first-time users to easily manage leash length without practice, ensuring the leash remains taut and the pet is kept under control.
Implementation Method 1
a brake assembly positioned inside the reel and adapted for applying a braking force to the reel, thereby slowing down rotation of the reel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a retractable pet leash with a variable brake system to control a pet. The variable braking system can be engaged or disengaged by the user via 3 methods. The first method is via a handle that is directly connected to the brake. The second method, also actuated by the user is a one touch brake system that uses the rotation of the reel to slowly apply the variable brake over several rotations of the reel. The third method allows the user to set the length of the leash cord and when the set length of the cord is met, engages the one touch brake system. The retractable pet leash provides a system to set the length of the leash cord being let out and ensures that the leash cord is kept taught between the user and the pet and notifies the user when the set length has been reached and applies variable braking in a steady and predictable manner to smoothly stop the pet.