Animal Containment Transmitter Adaptive Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional animal training systems using signal transmitters are inefficient due to high power consumption and inability to adapt to varying impedance loops, leading to unnecessary heat production and power wastage.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmitter system comprising an electrical impedance loop, a signal generator, and a power supply that adjusts voltage levels based on measured voltage signal characteristics, using a microprocessor to monitor slew rates and adjust power supply voltage to optimize current signal transmission efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-size transmitter is used to power the antenna regardless of antenna geometry or length, then the transmitter can provide sufficient power for any configuration, but the system produces inefficient signal generation and unnecessary heat
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter dynamically adjusts its output power based on real-time measurements of the antenna's impedance characteristics. The system continuously monitors the electrical properties of the buried wire and modifies transmission parameters to match the actual antenna configuration, replacing fixed-power operation with adaptive power control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that measure the voltage signal characteristics resulting from the interaction between the current signal and the electrical impedance loop. This feedback information is used to adjust the voltage level provided to the signal generator, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power delivery.
2Reliability
If high voltage is continuously applied to ensure signal transmission across all antenna configurations, then signal coverage is maintained, but power consumption increases and heat production rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operating parameters (voltage level, current amplitude) based on measured impedance characteristics of the antenna loop. By adjusting these parameters to match actual transmission needs rather than using fixed high-power settings, the system maintains signal coverage while reducing unnecessary heat generation from excessive power application.
3Ease of operation
If the transmitter uses fixed power output, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to varying impedance loop geometries and lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring the impedance characteristics of the connected antenna loop and configuring its output parameters accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual impedance matching or complex setup procedures, maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.
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 reduces power consumption, increases reliability, and extends longevity by efficiently producing a uniform current signal, independent of impedance loop geometry and length, while minimizing heat production.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage level is dependent upon an measured characteristic of a voltage signal that results from an interaction of the current signal with the electrical impedance loop
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A signal transmitter system (10) for an animal training system including an electrical impedance loop (12), a signal generator (24) and a power supply (22). The signal generator (24) is connected to the electrical impedance loop (12). The signal generator (24) provides a current signal to the electrical impedance loop (12). The power supply (22) provides a voltage level to the signal generator (24). The voltage level is dependent upon a measured characteristic of a voltage signal that results from an interaction of the current signal with the electrical impedance loop.