CollarSync
The problem:
Dogs wearing multiple collars can negatively impact K9 performance in the following areas:
Annoying to put on multiple collars - especially for wiggly dogs
Difficult and dangerous to remove multiple collars in an emergency
Could create health issues depending on the materials used (ex.: hotspots, dermatitis, etc.)
Potential for neck injury via getting caught in environmental hazards
Heavy and bulky - multiple collars mean more weight
Multiple collars take up 4-6” of space on a dogs neck
The solution:
Create a collar that consolidates multiple collars on one platform
Popular collars for dogs
Evergreen Dog Co.
Tactipup
Ruffwear
OneTigris
Market research revealed no collars that combine collars into one platform.
Critical To Quality features (CTQ’s)
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Consolidation
Must consolidate a Garmin GPS, Bells, and ID tags into one 2” collar
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Fast & Intuitive
Must be easy and fast to use
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Safe
Utilize new materials that reduce the liklihood of injury related to collar wear
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Lightweight
Collar should be lightweight
Manufacturing & Sustainability CTQ’s
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Modularity
Must consolidate a Garmin GPS, Bells, and ID tags into one 2” collar
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Repairability
Must be easy and fast to use
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Minimal Touch Labor
Utilize new materials that reduce the liklihood of injury related to collar wear
Fabrics and Hardware research
The timeline
CollarSync, start to finish
Prototype 1
Prototype 3 came about by just sewing something on a machine. No sketching, no CAD, just problem solving on a machine. 
Prototype 2
Polished Adobe Illustrator sketches let me more clearly visualize what I want 
Prototype 4
There was an AH HA! Moment while playing with a Battle Belt trying to figure out problems outlined with Prototype 3 led me to make a “mini battle belt” for the collar
Grommets eliminate the need for bar tacks and reduce touch labor.
Tegris does not have much elasticity, so it tends to stay deformed when bent. New materials needed.
Utilizing 0.9mm Curv Tactical, problems associated with Tegris have been resolved.
Prototype 3
Prototype 5
Designed a bracket to stabilize the GPS unit. In testing the GPS was not secure vertically during canting & sprinting. 
Prototype 6
Prototype 7
Edges are now able to be folded down to create a clean finish, see below for renderings
CollarSync
CollarSync is the apex of modular dog collars, and the only collar that integrates a GPS unit directly onto the collar to maximize unoocpied space on the dog.
Consolidates all collars and fast aplication
Safe
Low profile design reduces likelihood of snagging on hazards
Lightweight
13.0 oz
1lbs & 4.7oz
Modular
Repairable
Collar is held together by two top stiches and two grommets. Replacing pattern pieces can easily be done at home with any home sewing machine.
Low touch labor
Laser cut pattern pieces assembled with two rows of topstitching and two grommets
