Retractable Snap-On Leash Integrated Collar Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractable leashes require separate purchase and attachment to a dog collar, limiting convenience and flexibility, as they need to be removed and reattached, and often lack a comfortable handle for the user, restricting freedom of movement and potentially leading to loss or misplacement.
Innovation Solution
A retractable snap-on leash that securely attaches to any existing collar, featuring a retractable mechanism with a comfortable handle, allowing for easy installation and removal, automatic retraction, and adjustable length, with options for additional features like illumination and GPS tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional retractable leash is used, then the leash can be extended for walking, but it requires separate attachment to the collar and must be removed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retractable leash with the collar into a single integrated unit. The leash housing is attached to the collar, eliminating the need for separate attachment and removal operations. This merging of functions directly resolves the technical contradiction by making the leash permanently attached yet easily operable.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar-integrated leash design serves multiple functions: it provides leash functionality when needed and collar functionality when the leash is retracted. The single device performs both roles, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations and resolving the time loss associated with repeated attachment and removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional retractable leash is used, then the leash can be extended for walking, but the owner must carry the leash when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the leash with the collar, the patent eliminates the need for the owner to carry a separate leash object. The leash becomes an integrated part of the collar, providing freedom of movement without the burden of carrying additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash is pre-attached to the collar in a retracted state, ready for immediate use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the owner to carry and manually attach the leash, enhancing both convenience and freedom of movement.
3Reliability
If a conventional retractable leash is used, then the leash can be extended for walking, but it may become lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leash and collar into a single integrated device, eliminating the risk of the leash becoming lost or misplaced. The unified design ensures that the leash components cannot separate or get lost, directly improving reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a retractable leash is integrated into the collar, then the leash remains on the collar at all times, but the collar and leash must be purchased together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the collar-integrated leash to be compatible with various collar types and sizes. The universal design allows the same leash unit to be installed on different collars, enhancing adaptability while maintaining easy installation through standardized attachment mechanisms.
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
Enables convenient, secure, and adaptable dog walking by allowing the leash to remain on the collar at all times, providing rapid control and safety, while eliminating the need for separate collar and leash purchases, and incorporating advanced features like automatic retraction and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a spring contained within the housing that is wound when the cord is extended and automatically rewinds the cord when released
Data Source
AI summary
Improvements in a retractable Snap-On Leash is disclosed. The Snap-on Leash is always on the collar and can be used on nearly any collar that is available in the market place. This further allows the retractable snap-on leash to be removed and placed on a different collar when as the animal grows and when the collar wears out or is damaged. The owner simply needs to locate the handle to extend the leash. A lanyard retainer, stop or lock can be incorporated to limit the extension length less than the length of the leash spooled in the housing. The retracting mechanism allows the leash to be retracted automatically at the end of a walk or as the dog changes distance from the owner. The handle conforms to the shape of the housing to minimize a surface that can catch on anything that the dog might encounter.