Retractable dog leash
20+ design concepts · 18+ prototypes · A-Class Surfaces
Lightweight · Safety · Patented design and mechanism
Lightweight · Safety · Patented design and mechanism
Problem & Challenge
The main problem with retractable dog leashes is their weight and dimensions. These parameters are minimized by all possible means.
An additional problem: when the dog pulls sharply, the leash can either slip out of the owner's hand or cause a wrist injury. To avoid this, there are several patented braking systems for the tape or cord.
The challenge: our client set out to create an innovative retractable dog leash that combines all the advantages of existing mechanisms, a new smooth braking system, and minimal weight. It’s a challenging task: new components usually make the leash heavier, and we need to add a mechanism while keeping it no heavier than a standard leash.
Also, the new leash should be ergonomic, look like a trendy gadget, and include extra features — a detachable wrist strap and a dog waste bag holder.
An additional problem: when the dog pulls sharply, the leash can either slip out of the owner's hand or cause a wrist injury. To avoid this, there are several patented braking systems for the tape or cord.
The challenge: our client set out to create an innovative retractable dog leash that combines all the advantages of existing mechanisms, a new smooth braking system, and minimal weight. It’s a challenging task: new components usually make the leash heavier, and we need to add a mechanism while keeping it no heavier than a standard leash.
Also, the new leash should be ergonomic, look like a trendy gadget, and include extra features — a detachable wrist strap and a dog waste bag holder.
Our client
'In Good Company' — a manufacturer of pet accessories, developer of an app for finding lost dogs, and a regular donor to animal shelters
Research & Design
Our research included identifying the target audience and their preferences (surveys of dog owners), analyzing reviews of existing models, and studying competitors.
We examined and evaluated the appearance, materials, weight, and internal construction of the 12 most popular retractable leashes, identifying their advantages and disadvantages. This gave us a reference point for development.
We examined and evaluated the appearance, materials, weight, and internal construction of the 12 most popular retractable leashes, identifying their advantages and disadvantages. This gave us a reference point for development.
Design & Engineering Process
We developed more than 20 exterior design options for the leash. The goal was a trendy but not flashy look with character — appealing to both men and women. At the same time, our engineers came up with four internal design options. We carefully reviewed patents for similar products to make sure we weren’t infringing on anyone’s rights.
Our engineering team explored the possibility of using lighter materials than those typically used in retractable leashes. However, this project required not only saving every gram but also meeting the device’s target production cost — and new materials don’t always make that possible. Even so, we reduced the weight. Two of the solutions proposed by the engineering team were selected for further development.
Our engineering team explored the possibility of using lighter materials than those typically used in retractable leashes. However, this project required not only saving every gram but also meeting the device’s target production cost — and new materials don’t always make that possible. Even so, we reduced the weight. Two of the solutions proposed by the engineering team were selected for further development.
Design
We settled on a design direction. Creating a minimalist yet thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing solution is quite difficult. A loud, eye-catching design is much easier to create, but our target audience prefers a subtle style.
Once we determined the internal dimensions, we moved into more detailed design work: the proportions of the device depend heavily on its mechanism. The appearance of the retractable leash can change dramatically if the internal components grow by as little as 5 mm.
Once we determined the internal dimensions, we moved into more detailed design work: the proportions of the device depend heavily on its mechanism. The appearance of the retractable leash can change dramatically if the internal components grow by as little as 5 mm.
Engineering
We try to run design and engineering processes in parallel. This optimizes development time, but it’s only possible for well-coordinated teams like ours.
Our engineers developed a new, reliable, lightweight, and patentable tensioning system for the leash cord. With a single hand movement, you can adjust how the retractable leash responds to your dog’s movement based on its weight and activity level. This is done using a wheel on the top of the device. After all, a sudden jerk from a pit bull is one thing — from a Yorkie, quite another.
A separate challenge was integrating our mechanism with the casing — we had to modify both components.
Our engineers developed a new, reliable, lightweight, and patentable tensioning system for the leash cord. With a single hand movement, you can adjust how the retractable leash responds to your dog’s movement based on its weight and activity level. This is done using a wheel on the top of the device. After all, a sudden jerk from a pit bull is one thing — from a Yorkie, quite another.
A separate challenge was integrating our mechanism with the casing — we had to modify both components.
Prototyping & Testing
We developed more than five button options and seven wheel options for adjusting the leash’s sensitivity. We built over 18 prototypes and used them to test and refine the device, reducing its weight without compromising the strength of the casing or the tensioning mechanism.
We also ran a drop test simulating real-world drops during dog walks. The prototype passed it.
We also ran a drop test simulating real-world drops during dog walks. The prototype passed it.
Pre-Production
For a casing with Class A surfaces (and that is exactly what we have), aesthetics are critical. The surfaces must look flawless and feel as comfortable as possible to the touch.
This means we need to work with material stresses, strength, and stiffness. It is essential to use a tool such as the “zebra” — a visual test in which black-and-white virtual stripes should flow smoothly over the surface of the 3D model. Beautiful highlights and a harmonious shape are very important to us.
This means we need to work with material stresses, strength, and stiffness. It is essential to use a tool such as the “zebra” — a visual test in which black-and-white virtual stripes should flow smoothly over the surface of the 3D model. Beautiful highlights and a harmonious shape are very important to us.
Color, Material, Finishing (CMF)
We used modern gadgets, smartphones, and headphones as our reference point for color and finish. We requested material samples from factories and compared them, taking cost into account. As a result, we created several color options.
We also developed a solution (under NDA) that allows us to produce limited-edition collections — with different casing colors and patterns, but without increasing material costs. This solution — this technology — also protects the surface from scratches and chips.
We also developed a solution (under NDA) that allows us to produce limited-edition collections — with different casing colors and patterns, but without increasing material costs. This solution — this technology — also protects the surface from scratches and chips.
Design for Manufacturability & Patentability
Design optimization is about finding a balance between function, design, safety, weight, and cost: we change the geometry, number of parts, materials, and manufacturing technology to make the product lighter, cheaper, more reliable, and easier to produce.
In this project, we applied this approach from the very beginning: we added a tensioning and smooth-braking mechanism without increasing weight, formed the graphics directly in the mold, and brought the project to a working prototype with a patented design and construction.
Patenting must be completed before the design documentation is submitted to the manufacturer. In our case, two patents were obtained. We worked closely with patent attorneys on each of them.
In this project, we applied this approach from the very beginning: we added a tensioning and smooth-braking mechanism without increasing weight, formed the graphics directly in the mold, and brought the project to a working prototype with a patented design and construction.
Patenting must be completed before the design documentation is submitted to the manufacturer. In our case, two patents were obtained. We worked closely with patent attorneys on each of them.
Result & Takeaways
The project resulted in a lightweight, safe, retractable dog leash with an innovative tensioning mechanism in a premium casing. It also features optimized production costs, multiple color and graphic options, and a patented design.
Overall, we have developed a competitive, customizable, and patent-protected product.
Looking forward to the production launch!
Overall, we have developed a competitive, customizable, and patent-protected product.
Looking forward to the production launch!