Video

This is the video where we present our end result:

Group picture

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Prototype 48

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Evolution of prototype 47
Based on the testing in prototype 47, we adapted our design:

• use of double-slip collar
• leash is braided directly on the collar: lighter connection
• rope that holds the golfabll is sewed on the collar: stronger that knot

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all parts needed to make this prototype:

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Prototype 47

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Testing of prototype 46

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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.

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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 46

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Adapting prototype 45.

• We bought a choke collar, because of the instructable: it is a standard piece.
• We tried to position the rope with the ball a little bit further from the ring, so that the rope wouldn't twist around the collar.
• We tried different material to make this little rope more stif: a thick elastic, a thick rope, foam around a rope, a straw around the rope, and an electricity cable. The straw around the rope was the best solution, but it wasn't durable. So be bought a small transparant PVC tube that fulfills the same function.

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For the fixation to the wheelchair, we use the bar under the armseat.

We prototype a metal bar with two 90° angles in it (so that the box doensn't stick out of the wheelchair)

 The PVC box is attached to it with help of 2 bolts.

All materials needed for this prototype

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Wheelchair dimensions

Explanation//
Fixation prototype 44

To fix our final prototype to the wheelchair, we have to design a good fixation system. Till now, we used simple zip-ties (see prototype 44) to fasten it to the chair.
We made a sketch with the relevant dimensions of the chair in order to design the right fixation system.

There's enough space at the end of the left arm to place the final prototype.

prototype 45

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testing of prototype 44

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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

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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 44

EXPLANATION //

Improvement of prototype 34 after testing it at visit of 17/04.
We made a cylindrical 'box' with a slot. We cut it diagonally, so no matter where the dog
throws the ball in, it will always end up in the slot.
We also fixed the end of the leash, not on the box, but elsewhere on the wheelchair.
(Note: this end has to be higher then the slot, because otherwise the ball will maybe jump
out of the box). We also reinforced the red rope that leads to the golf ball, so that it would twist less around the leash. The box is temporary fixed to the wheelchair with cable ties.


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prototype 43

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testing of prototype 41

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failed attempt

successful attempt

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prototype 42

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testing of prototype 40

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