The coming period will be another regular scare for many pets: the firework bangs are already passing by on a regular basis, and for some pets that is an absolute nightmare. Car manufacturer Ford decided to find something on that. It developed a soundproof doghouse.
Noise cancelling
The doghouse dampens the fireworks noise using so-called 'noise cancelling technology', which is also already used in headphones and in the company's cars. The Edge SUV, among others, features this. If the microphones pick up high levels of noise from the engine or transmission, a counter sound is emitted from the car's audio system. This is also applied in the doghouse, which at least softens the sound of the bangs.
"We wondered how we could apply the technologies we use in our cars to other situations," said Ford of Europe's brand content manager in a press release. "Maybe we could let dogs enjoy a quieter New Year's Eve. We are working on more ideas to improve our daily lives with Ford's know-how."
The doghouse shelter closes with an automatic door and is fitted with vibration dampers. Prototype work is currently underway, but if and when the product will hit the market is not yet known.
Really soundproof?
Animal expert Martin Gaus tells RTL News he is still a bit sceptical about the Ford invention. "If a dog has previously suffered trauma from fireworks, the softest sound can cause stress." He says it is therefore very important that Ford's coop really is completely soundproof. The existing soundproofing products do not work well enough, according to him. According to the makers at Ford, a dog is much less sensitive to natural sounds, such as thunderstorms, than to the unnatural bangs of, say, fireworks.
Ford is known for investing heavily in developing products that are somewhat outside their core business - automotive. Last year, for instance, it developed a baby cradle that mimics a car. The cradle helps babies fall asleep by simulating the movements and sounds of a car. It also recently introduced a sleep suit in collaboration with the Meyer-Hentschel Institute, which allows users to experience how fatigue affects driving. Ford plans to deploy the suit during Driving Skills for Life (DSFL), the free training programme for young drivers up to 24 years old.
Source: Ford/RTL News
