Two-Probe Bark Control Device with Resilient Overmolded Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-bark devices for pets are uncomfortable and cause discomfort due to multiple probes pressed against the throat, limiting their effectiveness and user acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A two-probe bark control device with a piezoelectric transducer and resilient overmoldings that detect vibrations from the animal's vocal chords and deliver an electrical stimulus, reducing the number of probes and enhancing comfort while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple probes are pressed against the pet's throat to detect barking and deliver electrical stimulus, then the device can effectively detect and respond to barking, but the pet experiences increased discomfort and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bark detection function and electrical stimulus delivery function into a single integrated probe assembly. The first electrode serves dual purposes: detecting vocal chord vibrations through mechanical communication with the piezoelectric transducer and delivering electrical stimulus when barking is detected. This merging reduces the number of separate probes needed while maintaining both detection and response functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs vibration detection and electrical stimulus delivery. By making the electrode universal for both sensing and actuation, the device reduces overall complexity while ensuring reliable bark detection and effective response delivery.
2Reliability
If multiple probes are pressed against the pet's throat, then the device can deliver electrical stimulus effectively, but the pet experiences physical discomfort and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
By merging detection and stimulus delivery into a single probe assembly, the device reduces the total number of contact points with the pet's throat. This consolidation maintains effective electrical stimulus delivery capability while minimizing physical discomfort and mental anxiety for the pet.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the first electrode is secured rigidly to the housing, then the structure is stable, but the electrode cannot vibrate to detect vocal chord movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient overmolding material that provides flexible attachment of the first electrode to the housing. This flexible connection allows the electrode to vibrate in response to vocal chord movements while maintaining stable structural integration. The resilient material balances mechanical stability with vibration transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The overmolding material is specifically selected to change its mechanical properties - being resilient enough to allow vibration while maintaining sufficient structural connection. This parameter optimization enables the electrode to detect subtle vocal chord vibrations without compromising the overall device stability.
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 device effectively discourages barking by detecting vocal chord vibrations and delivering a stimulus through a reduced number of probes, providing both comfort for the pet and ease of use for owners.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrode is mechanically engaged with the piezoelectric transducer such that when a vibration is applied to the first electrode, the first electrode vibrates correspondingly, transferring the vibration to the piezoelectric transducer, which generates an electrical signal representative of the vibration applied to the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a two-probe bark control device for detecting an animal's bark by way of an electrode that is also used in delivering an electrical stimulus to the animal. The two-probe bark control device includes a housing, a first probe, and a second probe. The first and second probes include first and second electrodes, respectively. The first electrode is secured to the housing by way of a resilient overmolding such that the first electrode extends outwardly from the housing and has the potential to vibrate within the housing. The housing is carried by the animal such that the first probe detects the bark of the animal and the first and second probes deliver an electrical stimulus to the animal in response the first probe detecting the animal's bark such that the first probe both detects the animal's bark and delivers an electrical stimulus to the animal.