Zachary Elmer - M.E. - Sponsor Contact, SolidWORKS Modeler, Co-Team Lead

Lucas Henry - M.E. - Blueprints, SolidWORKS Assist, Co-Team Lead

Devan Cantral - M.E. - Patent Research

Our goal of this project was to create a “Smart” dog leash, that combines the re tractability of a common spooled leash with the ideal leash “wrist loop“ grip; which is built to last, has a unique breaking system, and can be produced at a reasonable cost.

Being our 4th redesign, our current and final version of our dog leash uses a frictional braking system that is bases upon moving the rotating spool into break pads; rather than our previous model having a brake caliper to grip both sides of the stationary spool (Alpha Prototype).

We were approached by our sponsor, who apart from wanting it to look nice, wanted us to adhere to these guidelines:
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-To develop a fully functional prototype that, when given the modeled designs, can be used to be mass produced in the future. 

-Be non-patent infringing on current market patents.

-The leash must have a variable restrictive force that can be adjusted by the user; so the leash does not instantly lock up and cause distress on a dogs neck; aka the gradual breaking system.

-The leash’s cord should be reflective material for when a user takes their dog out for a walk at night; this would be based upon the material chosen by the sponsor.

-On the housing of the leash, it would be appreciated if we could integrate a waste bag compartment; but this was not able to be implemented in the end.

Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, we were severely set back, in terms of prototyping physical models. All state universities have transitioned to remote computer instruction; where students are essentially required to evacuate from campus, and are barred from entering the IST school building for the remainder of the semester.

We were still able to continue with SolidWORKS modeling and research; but because of this situation, many resources needed for lab-work, modeling, and manufacturing were not available to our team. Additionally, because we were unable to meet as a team (distancing made meeting as a group face-to-face an impossibility for the remainder of the semester), this process took extended time to work on. 

We do have a single working beta model; but creating anything that is completely physical printed for the Capstone class (from our current and final model) is not possible.