Project number
26502
Organization
SolPet
Offering
ENGR498-S2026-F2026
This project which centers around the development of an eco-friendly dog collar product line, featuring three distinct collar and leash versions:
1. A simple luxury faux leather base collar & leash made from sustainable materials, featuring a secure, accessible, and a pet-safe closure system.
2. A luxury faux leather base collar & leash made from sustainable materials, featuring a secure, accessible, and pet-safe closure system, with visible stitching. The set will include the structural components necessary to attach accessories, such as modular charms, buttons system for personalization and optional functionality (e.g., identification, health alerts, safety).
3. A cloth & faux leather luxury base collar & leash made from sustainable materials such as hemp, featuring a secure, accessible, and pet-safe closure system, with visible stitching. The set will include the structural components necessary to attach accessories, such as modular charms, buttons system for personalization and optional functionality (e.g., identification, health alerts, safety).
The collars and leashes will use plant-based or biodegradable materials such as hemp, tweed or Desserto (cactus leather). Closure systems may include magnetic mechanisms or alternatives (such as toggles, clips, or twist locks) but must be original designs that do not infringe on existing patents.
This project invites a multi-disciplinary student team to research, conceptualize, design, prototype, and test these components while balancing usability, durability, scalability, and sustainability.
The creating of the functional charm and button pieces are an important component of the product line, however, it is understood that the individual designs are nonfunctional, and creative aspects may be excluded from the scope of the project unless alternative solutions or additional resources are identified.
Scope:
a. Requirement Discovery & Design Criteria: Collaborate with SolPet to gather user needs, design constraints, and functional goals. Identify key criteria for comfort, safety, and accessibility.
b. Product and Patent Landscape Review: Research existing collar closures, charms, and button systems. Identify prior art, patents, and areas to avoid; pinpoint opportunities for innovation and IP protection.
c. Closure Mechanism Development: Explore and prototype secure closure mechanisms, including magnetic and non-magnetic options. Final design must be safe, user-friendly, and distinct from patented solutions.
d. Modular Charms & Buttons System: Design an interchangeable charm and button interface compatible with the enhanced collar. Consider secure yet user-friendly attachment styles (e.g., snap-in, slide-on, or twist-lock systems). Create a few working prototypes of the charm/button system.
e. Material Research: Evaluate eco-conscious materials for collar bodies and hardware, testing for durability, wear resistance, and environmental impact.
f. Prototyping & Iteration: Create CAD models and working prototypes of both the base and modular collars. Conduct safety, strength, and usability testing. Iterate based on performance and sponsor feedback.
g. Manufacturing & Cost Feasibility: Estimate production costs, suggest sourcing/manufacturing strategies, and identify ethical, scalable options aligned with SolPet's values.
We would be interested in utilizing opportunities to work with university creative programs for the charm & button designs and business partners for patents & trademarks, but understand it’s not within the scope of the project per se.
1. A simple luxury faux leather base collar & leash made from sustainable materials, featuring a secure, accessible, and a pet-safe closure system.
2. A luxury faux leather base collar & leash made from sustainable materials, featuring a secure, accessible, and pet-safe closure system, with visible stitching. The set will include the structural components necessary to attach accessories, such as modular charms, buttons system for personalization and optional functionality (e.g., identification, health alerts, safety).
3. A cloth & faux leather luxury base collar & leash made from sustainable materials such as hemp, featuring a secure, accessible, and pet-safe closure system, with visible stitching. The set will include the structural components necessary to attach accessories, such as modular charms, buttons system for personalization and optional functionality (e.g., identification, health alerts, safety).
The collars and leashes will use plant-based or biodegradable materials such as hemp, tweed or Desserto (cactus leather). Closure systems may include magnetic mechanisms or alternatives (such as toggles, clips, or twist locks) but must be original designs that do not infringe on existing patents.
This project invites a multi-disciplinary student team to research, conceptualize, design, prototype, and test these components while balancing usability, durability, scalability, and sustainability.
The creating of the functional charm and button pieces are an important component of the product line, however, it is understood that the individual designs are nonfunctional, and creative aspects may be excluded from the scope of the project unless alternative solutions or additional resources are identified.
Scope:
a. Requirement Discovery & Design Criteria: Collaborate with SolPet to gather user needs, design constraints, and functional goals. Identify key criteria for comfort, safety, and accessibility.
b. Product and Patent Landscape Review: Research existing collar closures, charms, and button systems. Identify prior art, patents, and areas to avoid; pinpoint opportunities for innovation and IP protection.
c. Closure Mechanism Development: Explore and prototype secure closure mechanisms, including magnetic and non-magnetic options. Final design must be safe, user-friendly, and distinct from patented solutions.
d. Modular Charms & Buttons System: Design an interchangeable charm and button interface compatible with the enhanced collar. Consider secure yet user-friendly attachment styles (e.g., snap-in, slide-on, or twist-lock systems). Create a few working prototypes of the charm/button system.
e. Material Research: Evaluate eco-conscious materials for collar bodies and hardware, testing for durability, wear resistance, and environmental impact.
f. Prototyping & Iteration: Create CAD models and working prototypes of both the base and modular collars. Conduct safety, strength, and usability testing. Iterate based on performance and sponsor feedback.
g. Manufacturing & Cost Feasibility: Estimate production costs, suggest sourcing/manufacturing strategies, and identify ethical, scalable options aligned with SolPet's values.
We would be interested in utilizing opportunities to work with university creative programs for the charm & button designs and business partners for patents & trademarks, but understand it’s not within the scope of the project per se.