Wireless Lure Carrier for Greyhound Racing Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized greyhound racing track lures are expensive to run and require high maintenance due to the use of complex and costly systems such as electrified tracks and cables.
Innovation Solution
A greyhound lure support carrier with a rechargeable battery, a power-controlled electric motor, and a wireless communication system for remote operation, which is designed to be lightweight, reliable, and easy to maintain, using a support track with a scarf joint for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrified tracks and cables are used to power the lure, then the lure can achieve controlled velocity and reliable operation, but operational costs and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the fixed infrastructure (electrified tracks and cables) and relocates it to a portable battery pack mounted on the lure carriage. This eliminates the need for complex electrified track systems while maintaining the lure's ability to operate reliably around the racing track.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary to control the lure's velocity and operation. Instead of direct electrical connection through complex track infrastructure, the controller wirelessly transmits signals to adjust motor speed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining control.
2Speed
If electrified tracks and cables are used to power the lure, then the lure can achieve controlled velocity, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rechargeable battery packs that can be easily replaced or recharged when depleted. This approach is more cost-effective than maintaining expensive electrified track infrastructure, as batteries represent a low-cost, portable energy source that eliminates continuous electrical power consumption from the track system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a variable speed motor controlled by wireless signals to adjust the lure's velocity dynamically. This allows the lure to match the speed of different greyhounds and maintain optimal performance without the energy waste of fixed-speed electrified track systems.
3Reliability
If complex electrified track systems are used, then the lure can be reliably powered, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into independent, modular battery packs that can be individually replaced or recharged without affecting the entire lure system. This modular approach simplifies maintenance compared to complex electrified track systems that require extensive infrastructure repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery-powered system allows for easy self-maintenance through simple battery replacement or recharging operations. The wireless control system also enables remote monitoring and adjustment, reducing the need for manual intervention and professional maintenance services required by electrified track systems.
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 solution reduces operational costs and maintenance needs by utilizing a lightweight, rechargeable system that can be easily controlled and maintained, while ensuring reliable and efficient movement of the lure around the track.
Implementation Method 1
a battery to supply electric power
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor having an axle, the electric motor operatively connected to the battery, and to drive the rotation of an axle
Implementation Method 3
a rotatable friction arrangement connected to a driven axle and located so as to frictionally engage with the support track
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosure in this specification is of a greyhound lure support carrier engageable with a support track is located about a greyhound racing track. The support carrier is engageable and disengageable from the track in one example, the carrier housing supports multiple wheels some of which are in constant contact with the track to drive the carrier housing along the track and other wheels are free-wheeling guides along the track and to ensure the carrier housing stays on the track. The support carrier comprises a chassis accommodating, a battery to supply electric power; an electric motor having an axle, the electric motor operatively connected to the battery, and to drive the rotation of an axle; a rotatable friction arrangement connected to a driven axle and located so as to frictionally engage with the support track. There is a suspension arrangement moveable against a portion of the support track to permit suspension of the chassis from the support track. There is also a wireless communication receiver for receiving a signal for operating application of electric power to the electric motor. An electric motor control module is in operative connection to the wireless communication receiver and operable to the electric motor. A lure arrangement is attachable to the carrier for attracting greyhounds as the carrier is controlled in its travel about the track.