Prototype 47

EXPLANATION //

Testing of prototype 46

VISUALIZATION //

the dog tries to put the collar on, but sometimes he tries to escape again

this leash is directly fixed to a buckle. 

It is especially made for hachiko.

We use this braiding technique as an inspiration for the fixation of our leash to our collar 

in our next prototype.

EVALUATION //

conclusions: 

as an extra remark, we want to add that the connection between the collar and the leash, has to be as light as possible, because otherwise, the weigth prevents that the collar falls open well. So the result is that the dog can't put his head through the collar. 

We will use the double-slip collar and braid a leash directly on it.

prototype 45

EXPLANATION //

testing of prototype 44

VISUALIZATION //

searching the ball and throwing him in the box without clicker)

'knee-command' => ball out of box

dog can dettach himself without help

the ball jumps out of the box

EVALUATION //

extra: Caroline told us that maybe the prototype will work only one time if the dog has made a kind of knot by dropping the ball in the wrong way, untill someone untangles the two ropes again. But if it can work once, then that would be already a great help for some people. And the owner of the dog can guide his dog more, and train him to make less mistakes. If the dog does everything in the right way, the prototype can be used several times. 

sequence of operations the dog has to do:

((1) ready to go: putting head through loop - (2) jump up - (3) walking to store etc - (4) home again: take ball - (5) drop it in box - get head out of the loop - free to walk alone)

if the dog made a mistake in step 4 or 5 , he will nog be able put the collar on for another trip. 

prototype 43

EXPLANATION //

testing of prototype 41

VISUALIZATION //

failed attempt

successful attempt

EVALUATION //

prototype 42

EXPLANATION //

testing of prototype 40

VISUALIZATION //

EVALUATION //

visit hachiko 17/04

testing of prototype 33:

using the box we designed, in combination with a little rubber ball or a golf-ball in stead of the tennis ball (clicker training)

1. we see a problem: when the dog approaches the box from the wrong direction, the ball isn't fixed well.

2. problem: the red rope turns and twists around the leash: the dog can't detach himself anymore

3. jump up to attach his collar+leash 

4.insert the head of the dog in the loop: the rope stays open well!

EVALUATION //

prototype 39

EXPLANATION //

testing prototype 33: step 4: smaller box with leash already attached to the dog.

VISUALIZATION //

link to video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMVa9H0Pyos

EVALUATION //

prototype 38

EXPLANATION //

testing of prototype 33:
step 3: smaller metal box and tennis ball attached to rope.


VISUALIZATION //

video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se6rPkh7kX0


EVALUATION //

prototype 37

EXPLANATION //

testing of prototype 33:
step 2: ball already attached to to a rope, still with big metal box and tennis ball.

VISUALIZATION //

video :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USOuzAiueFI

EVALUATION //

Prototype 36

EXPLANATION //

the first step of testing prototype 33:
using a large box in metal in combination with a tennis ball (clicker training).

VISUALIZATION //

link to video:
youtube video


EVALUATION //

Prototype 32

Testing of prototype 30
During thirth visit (13/03/2014)

VISUALIZATION //

We thought that the detaching and the attaching would happen in the same direction,
but then the problem occurs that the arm collapses.
We got the idea to the two moves in the opposite direction.

We decided not to work out prototype 28, because we found a solution for the collapsing arm now.

Problem: The arm collapses

problem 2: magnet is not strong enough

EVALUATION //

CONCLUSION //

There is still room for improvement .
We need to thing about the fixing method to the wheelchair.

Prototype 31

Testing Prototype 29

VISUALIZATION //

attaching

detaching

prototype gets broken, dog is scared

EVALUATION //

CONCLUSION // 

This is a good prototype continue with. 

The dog likes it, the prototype is very easy to make (in the respect of making a little series).

Prototype 27

testing of prototype 26

VISUALIZATION //

EVALUATION //

CONCLUSION //

Making an arm in combination with a magnet would be a better idea than this hook with two different angles , to lock and unlock. Because with the hook, the collar never stays on the hook. So if the dog took off the collar, then it is laying on the ground. Then the dog should put it on the hook again, which is difficult!

Prototype 24

Measuring distances for the postition of the V-slot, and the length of the leash.

VISUALIZATION //

EVALUATION & CONCLUSION //

The dog has to be able to go in front of the wheel chair , and to the back of the wheel chair
for example to pick something up.
The most used length for a leach is about 50 cm.

In this respect, positioning the V-slot in the middle of the side-panel of the wheelchair is the best option.
But it can't be on the side of the joystick.

We have to find a prototype that takes as little space as possible, next to the wheelchair.
Because people need those space to manouvre in narrow passages.
( a standard has a width of 80cm, adapted doors have a width of 90cm )

The ideal height of the V-slot was about 62 cm.

Prototype 23

Testing prototype 18
on the second visit at 07/03/2014

VIZUALISATION //

EVALUATION //

CONCLUSION //

We wil lnot continue working on this prototype. We've already made better variations on this one, that contain more valuable mechanism and dog moves.

Prototype 22

testing prototype 17

VISUALIZATION //

EVALUATION //

CONCLUSION //

We will not continue working on this prototype.

Prototype 21

testing prototype 16, part 2

Now Caroline uses the rope with the ball attached to it and the V-box.

VISUALIZATION //

first video explains the concept without dog

second video shows the dog putting a ball in the V-slot

EVALUATION //

The foams that represent the little balls are too light.
As already mentioned earlier, it is difficult for a dog to grab something that is next to his head, because by turning his head in order to grab the object, he brings the object further away from his mouth.
BUT, if he bend, so that the ball lays on the ground (and stays their because the rope is long enough, and the ball is heavy enough) he will be able to grab it.


CONCLUSION //

It's a little bit more difficult, but the possible problems can be solved in a next prototype,
with the right materials.
And maybe with some more training, the problems will be solved as well.

Prototype 20

testing prototype 16
(during visit 2 on 07/03/2014)

First Caroline tests if the dog is able to throw a ball in an normal box.

VIDEO //

EVALUTION //

CONCLUSION //

We found a solution that is fun for the dog is well. And that is possible to train.

Prototype 19

Testing prototype 15:
(at the second visit on 07/03/2014)

VISUALIZATION //

video 

EVALUATION //

CONCLUSION //

A new improved prototype is born: 

DETACHING: the person in the wheelchair gives to order to stand still and puts the hook in the loop by steering his wheelchair towards it. Then he orders the dog to detach himself by shouting "collier!". The collar stays on the hook now. The last order is the one to collapse the arm.

ATTACHING: the dog gets the order to pull out the arm attached to the wheelchair. The the order "collier!" is given. The dog put his head through the collar. Now the person in the wheelchair can detach the loop from the hook if the dog is standing still.

This system could perhaps work with a magnet as well.

Prototype 14

Testing prototype 8:

retractable device on collar + jacket

VIDEO //

EVALUATION //

CONCLUSION //

For the moment, it would be to difficult for the dog to pull the leash out of the mechanism and to give attach it to the wheelchair. Because 1. he is not trained. and 2. dogs pull with their entire body, so you put the dog in a difficult position if you wnat him to grab something that is attached to his own body.

Prototype 13

Testing prototype 5:

VIDEO //

EVALUATION //

CONCLUSION //

In this 'form' the system is not usuable, but it can be used to inspire new concepts, ore to improve other prototypes.