Single Base Station Pet Containment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless animal location systems require multiple base units for accurate positioning, which complicates outdoor installations and increases costs due to the need for power sourcing and precise antenna placement, and suffer from accuracy degradation due to RF signal blockage by internal components.
Innovation Solution
A single base station wireless animal location system using a transceiver and two receivers with antennas configured in a triangle, employing time-of-flight and time difference of arrival calculations to determine distance and bearing, and optimizing antenna placement to minimize signal blockage through strategic positioning and RF switch management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple base units are used for accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receiver functions into a single base unit, integrating what would traditionally require multiple separate base units into one consolidated device. This merging approach maintains positioning accuracy while reducing system complexity and installation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple base units to a vertical three-dimensional antenna configuration within a single base unit. By stacking antennas in the vertical dimension, the system achieves the positioning accuracy that would traditionally require multiple horizontally distributed base units
2Area of stationary object
If multiple base units are deployed, then positioning coverage is improved, but power sourcing requirements and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple base unit functions into one device, eliminating the need for multiple power sources and reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the vertical antenna array's omnidirectional capabilities
3Device complexity
If antennas are placed close together in a single base unit, then device complexity is reduced, but RF signal blockage by internal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves signal blockage issues by moving antenna separation from the horizontal plane to the vertical dimension. By stacking antennas vertically with sufficient spacing, the system maintains RF signal integrity while keeping all antennas within a single base unit footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local spatial arrangement of antennas within the base unit, positioning them in specific vertical orientations and spacings that minimize mutual interference and blockage from internal components while maximizing signal reception quality
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 configuration enhances accuracy and reduces costs by simplifying installations and minimizing signal obstruction, ensuring reliable and precise animal positioning within the containment system.
Implementation Method 1
employing time-of-flight and time difference of arrival calculations to determine distance and bearing
Implementation Method 2
employing time-of-flight and time difference of arrival calculations to determine distance and bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless animal location system is provided that identifies a location of a pet roaming within an environment using a single base unit. The wireless animal location system tracks and manages animal behavior in the environment using information of pet location.