Wireless Pet Training Device Digital Control and Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional animal training devices with analog controls face challenges such as inaccurate setting, easy adjustment, high power consumption, and lack of feedback, making them inefficient for modifying undesirable behaviors like excessive barking.

Innovation Solution

A wireless training system with a handheld command module and adjustable collar assembly using one-touch digital switches for selecting stimulation modes, intensity levels, and duration, featuring Rise and Jump modes for gradual or immediate stimulation level changes, and an LCD display for feedback, along with power optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If analog controls are used for setting stimulation levels, then the device can be operated, but the setting accuracy is poor and difficult to control precisely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestimulation level setting accuracyVSAvoidcontrol setting difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces analog mechanical controls (potentiometers, dials) with digital electronic controls. The digital control system uses discrete steps and electronic signaling to set stimulation levels, providing precise control through digital values rather than continuous analog adjustment. This substitution enables accurate stimulation level setting while maintaining ease of operation through simple digital interface elements like buttons or switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If analog controls are used, then the device structure is simple, but the power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the microcontroller and digital control system enter sleep or low-power modes between operational cycles. The system activates digital controls only when needed for setting or adjusting stimulation levels, rather than continuously powering analog control circuits. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption while the digital control logic remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of information

If analog controls without display are used, then the device is simple, but the user feedback is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser feedback informationVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller provides real-time information to the user about current stimulation levels, battery status, and operational mode. This feedback is displayed through simple visual indicators such as LED lights or a basic LCD display that show digital values or status icons. The feedback loop allows users to see exactly what settings are active without requiring complex analog meters or indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8260431B2Multi-mode pet training device
Publication Date: 2012.09.04 DT SYSTEMS INC
  • US8260431B2 patent drawing
  • US8260431B2 patent drawing
  • US8260431B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The pet training device comprises a handheld wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, stimulation duration, a Jump mode, a Rise mode, and a stimulation intensity level through the used of one-touch digital switches located on the device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on an LCD. The stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a beep, a vibration, or a combination thereof. When the wireless receiver is placed in the no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. A Jump mode is provided to instantly increase stimulation from a currently defined level. A Rise mode is provided to gradually and continuously increase the stimulation level.