Tactical Leash with Quick Release and Extendable Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing K-9 leashes face challenges in providing sufficient control and expansion length during tactical operations, as quick release buckles are difficult to unlatch under tension and elastomeric members have limited extension capabilities, restricting the dog's ability to cover long distances quickly.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose leash with a semi-fixed non-elastomeric and elastomeric extendable portions, featuring a one-hand quick release snap shackle system, allowing the leash to expand from a fixed five feet to twenty-five feet, and a storage pouch for compact folding of the non-elastomeric portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick release buckle is used to allow easy release of the leash from the belt, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the buckle is difficult to unlatch when the dog is pulling against it
Solution Approach 1:
The snap shackle system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through a one-handed pulling motion. The carabiner-style mechanism allows the leash to be quickly deployed by pulling one end, dynamically changing from compact to extended configuration, and can be rapidly released when needed during tactical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The leash is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixed length portion for normal control, an extendable portion for rapid deployment, and a snap shackle release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the fixed portion maintains control during tracking, while the extendable portion provides sudden length when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elastomeric member is used to provide expandability of the leash, then the adaptability is improved, but the length capability deteriorates because the extension distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable portion of the leash is stored in a collapsed or nested configuration within the fixed length portion when not in use. This nesting allows the long extendable section to be compact during normal operations, then rapidly deployed to full extension when the dog needs to cover longer distances quickly
Solution Approach 2:
The leash transitions from a static fixed length to a dynamic variable length system. The extendable portion can be rapidly deployed to provide additional length when needed for tracking or locating operations, then returns to its compact nested state for portability and storage
3Volume of moving object
If the leash is designed to be compact for storage, then the portability is improved, but the deployment speed deteriorates because it takes longer to extend
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable portion is pre-positioned and ready for deployment within the fixed length portion. The snap shackle mechanism is pre-configured to allow one-handed activation. When deployed, the leash extends rapidly without requiring complex manipulation, as the extension action has been simplified in advance through the snap shackle design
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 handlers to maintain control and allow dogs to cover longer distances rapidly by providing a reliable one-hand quick release mechanism and extended length, while ensuring easy storage and deployment of the leash.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric extendable portion; The elastomeric extendable portion is connected to the non-elastomeric portion
Data Source
AI summary
A leash with a non-elastomeric extendable portion; an elastomeric extendable portion; and a storage pouch. The elastomeric extendable portion is connected to the non-elastomeric portion and the non-elastomeric extendable portion is folded or rolled several turns upon itself. The storage pouch holds the non-elastomeric extendable portion in the folded or rolled relationship of its turns.