Intelligent cat litter box based on RFID identification

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of intelligent cat litter box based on RFID identification, it is related to pet supplies technical field, including the shell formed by the upper shell and lower shell of mutual connection, the shell forms the cavity with front opening, its bottom is equipped with the drawer type excrement collection bin of pullability;Setting in movable door of front opening;And integrated control module is fixed in the side of opening, the module inside integrated has RFID reader, control unit and door lock mechanism;Control unit is electrically connected with RFID reader and door lock mechanism, and is configured as when identifying authorized RFID signal, control door lock mechanism unlocks movable door, and after authorized signal disappears, control it relock. The utility model introduces RFID identity recognition technology and specially-made electromagnetic drive door lock mechanism, successfully realizes the accurate identity authentication and exclusive access control of authorized pet, fundamentally solves the health and behavior problem caused by other pets breaking into cat litter box in multi-pet family.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pet supplies technology, specifically to an intelligent cat litter box based on RFID identification. Background Technology

[0002] With rising living standards and evolving pet ownership attitudes, smart litter boxes are gradually becoming standard household items for many cat-owning families. Current smart litter boxes on the market primarily focus on two main functional modules: automated cleaning and health monitoring. For automated cleaning, products typically trigger the cleaning mechanism through gravity sensors, infrared sensors, or timed settings. A mechanical structure automatically separates clean cat litter from pet excrement, collecting it in a built-in waste collection box, significantly reducing the user's daily cleaning burden. For health monitoring, they generally integrate weighing sensors and behavior recording modules to monitor data such as the pet's weight, littering frequency, and time spent in the litter box. These data are then transmitted to users via a linked mobile application, providing health trend analysis and alerts for any abnormal conditions.

[0003] However, the aforementioned technological solutions assume a single-pet or single-pet household, failing to effectively address the complex needs of multi-pet environments (such as cats and dogs living together). A prominent issue is the general lack of ability to identify individual pets attempting to enter smart litter boxes. Specifically, if the litter box door remains open or reopens for other reasons after the cat has finished using the litter box, a curious dog may seize the opportunity to enter. This behavior is not only extremely unhygienic, potentially leading to parasite or bacterial infections in dogs through contact with or ingestion of cat excrement, endangering their health; more importantly, the dog's interference severely undermines the privacy and sense of security necessary for the cat to use the litter box. Over time, this can easily trigger stress reactions, anxiety, and even behavioral problems such as avoiding the litter box altogether. Therefore, existing technologies reveal a fundamental deficiency in pet identification and access control in practical applications, failing to provide a smart and secure litter box solution for multi-pet households. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the fundamental shortcomings in pet identification and access control in practical applications, this invention proposes an RFID-based smart litter box, comprising: The housing includes an upper housing (A1) and a lower housing (A2) connected to each other, forming a cavity with a front opening, and a pull-out drawer-type waste collection compartment (A3) is provided at the bottom of the cavity. A movable door (C1) is movably disposed at the front opening for opening or closing the front opening; An integrated control module is fixedly installed on one side of the front opening of the housing, and its interior integrates an RFID reader (E1), a control unit (E2), and a door lock mechanism. The control unit (E2) is electrically connected to the RFID reader (E1) and the door lock mechanism, and is configured to: control the door lock mechanism to unlock the movable door (C1) when the RFID reader (E1) identifies an authorization signal; and control the door lock mechanism to lock the movable door (C1) after the authorization signal disappears.

[0005] Furthermore, the door lock mechanism is an electromagnetic drive door lock mechanism, including an electromagnet (E3), a locking rod (D1) driven by the electromagnet (E3), and a recessed structure (C2) provided on the movable door (C1) for the locking rod (D1) to be engaged or disengaged.

[0006] Furthermore, the electromagnetic drive door lock mechanism also includes a magnetic component (D2) fixed to one end of the locking rod (D1) and a return spring (D3) sleeved on the locking rod (D1); when the electromagnet (E3) is energized, it generates a magnetic force to attract the magnetic component (D2), causing the locking rod (D1) to move against the elastic force of the return spring (D3) and disengage from the recessed structure (C2).

[0007] Furthermore, the control unit (E2) is configured to delay for a preset time after the authorization signal disappears before controlling the door lock mechanism to lock the movable door (C1).

[0008] Furthermore, the control unit (E2) has at least one RFID tag code for an authorized pet pre-stored; the control unit (E2) is configured to compare the tag code read by the RFID reader (E1) with the pre-stored RFID tag code, and determine that an authorization signal has been identified only when a match is found.

[0009] Furthermore, the lower housing (A2) is provided with a sand filter grid (A4) at the entrance of the front opening.

[0010] Furthermore, the integrated control module is detachably fixed to the upper housing (A1) by screws or clips.

[0011] Furthermore, the integrated control module has an independent housing, which is composed of a front panel (B1) and a back panel (B2).

[0012] Furthermore, the integrated control module has a USB Type-C interface (A5) on its housing for powering the integrated control module.

[0013] Furthermore, the drawer-type waste collection compartment (A3) can be pulled out of the cavity via its front panel.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: (1) The present invention proposes an intelligent cat litter box based on RFID identification. By attaching a unique ID RFID tag to the cat and using an integrated control module for real-time verification, it ensures that the door will only unlock when an authorized individual approaches, thus preventing unauthorized pets from entering. This not only prevents dogs from coming into contact with cat excrement, thus significantly reducing the risk of cross-infection of diseases, but also creates an undisturbed, private and safe toilet environment for the cat, greatly enhancing its psychological sense of security and helping to prevent stress reactions or abnormal behaviors caused by toilet pressure. (2) An electromagnetic drive mechanical locking mechanism with a normally closed design when the power is off is adopted, which enables the litter box to remain reliably locked when not in use, saving energy and electricity and improving the inherent safety of the equipment. The safety delay locking mechanism introduced in the control logic provides a buffer time after the pet leaves, effectively avoiding the risk of pinching caused by hastily locking the door, and further enhancing the safety of use. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall left side structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall right side structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall movable structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the backplate of the integrated module of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the movable door and integrated control module of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a detailed schematic diagram of the movable door and integrated control module of this utility model when "closed"; Figure 7 This is a detailed schematic diagram of the "opening" of the movable door and integrated control module of this utility model; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: A1-Upper housing, A2-Lower housing, A3-Drawer-type waste collection compartment, A4-Filter grate, A5-Type-C charging interface, B1-Front panel, B2-Back panel, B3-Locking rod fixing piece, C1-Moving door, C2-Recessed structure, D1-Locking rod, D2-Magnetic component, D3-Reset spring, E1-RFID reader, E2-Control unit, E3-Electromagnet. Detailed Implementation

[0016] After detailing the inherent defects of existing technologies in multi-pet household applications, such as lack of identity recognition and insufficient access control, this utility model provides an RFID-based smart litter box implementation scheme to fundamentally solve these problems. The preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in more depth and detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein, along with the structural details, component connections, and control logic involved, are intended to clearly and completely illustrate the technical solution and implementation process of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model in any way. Under the guidance of the core concept of this utility model, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the following implementation details, but these adjustments and evolutions based on the same inventive concept should all be considered to fall within the scope of the claims sought by this utility model. Next, a systematic description will begin with the overall physical structure of the smart litter box and the coordinated layout of its components.

[0017] The intelligent cat litter box based on RFID identification proposed in this utility model has the following overall structure: Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the core of this system lies in achieving intelligent access control for specific pets through the coordinated operation of identification and mechanical locking. Specifically, the litter box's shell structure mainly includes an upper shell A1, a lower shell A2, and a drawer-type waste collection compartment A3. The upper shell A1 and lower shell A2 are typically made of high-density polypropylene (PP) or other engineering plastics with excellent compressive strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, integrally molded using injection molding. They are connected to each other by screws or clips, forming a main cavity that is closed at the top and three sides, with a rectangular opening at the front. This cavity is used to hold cat litter and provide a toilet space for the pet. At the entrance of the front opening of the lower shell A2, a sand filter grid A4 is preferably provided. This grid consists of densely arranged slender strips that effectively scrape away cat litter brought out from under the cat's claws, blocking and collecting it back into the box, keeping the surrounding environment clean. The drawer-type waste collection compartment A3 can be pulled out and is located at the bottom of the cavity formed by the upper and lower shells. Its bottom is used to hold cat litter and collect pet excrement. The A3 litter box typically has a panel at the front, allowing users to easily hold it and pull it out of the casing as a whole, making it extremely convenient to clean up excrement and replenish fresh litter, simplifying daily maintenance procedures.

[0018] As attached Figures 4 to 7As shown, the intelligent access control function of this utility model is mainly realized through the collaborative work of the movable door C1 and the integrated control module. The integrated control module, as a functionally independent unit, is installed on one side of the front opening of the upper housing A1 via screws or snap-fit ​​methods. This module has an independent encapsulated shell, which is composed of a front plate B1 and a back plate B2, providing physical protection for its internal precision electronic components and mechanical structure. The movable door C1 is rotatably installed in the reserved space in the middle of the integrated control module via a pivot or hinge structure. Its size matches the front opening of the housing, allowing it to naturally droop down to close the opening under gravity, or be opened by a pet's head or body. The integrated control module integrates the core components for intelligent control: an RFID reader E1, a control unit E2, and a door lock mechanism. The control unit E2, as the brain of the entire system, typically consists of a printed circuit board (PCB) and its microprocessor, memory, and other electronic components. It is electrically connected to the RFID reader E1 and the door lock mechanism. The integrated control module is powered via a universal USB Type-C interface A5 located on its casing, allowing it to be connected to an external standard power adapter.

[0019] One of the core innovations of this utility model lies in the specific structure of the door lock mechanism and its linkage logic with the control unit E2. In this preferred embodiment, the door lock mechanism adopts an electromagnetically driven mechanical locking scheme, the specific structure of which can be referred to in detail in the appendix. Figures 5 to 7 The mechanism mainly includes an electromagnet E3, an axially movable locking rod D1, a magnetic component D2 fixed to one end of the locking rod D1, and a set of limiting components and a return spring D3 mounted on the locking rod D1. The locking rod D1 is installed inside the housing of the integrated control module via the locking rod fixing component B3, allowing it to perform a small range of linear movement along a specific trajectory. On the upper edge of the movable door C1, there is a dedicated door panel connecting structure containing a recessed structure C2. In the default state, i.e., when the system is in standby or powered off, the electromagnet E3 is not energized. At this time, the elastic force of the return spring D3 acts on the locking rod D1, pushing its protruding end to tightly engage with the recessed structure C2 of the movable door C1. This mechanical interference prevents the movable door C1 from being pushed open by external force, thus maintaining a reliable locked state. When the door needs to be opened, the control unit E2 sends a brief energizing command to the electromagnet E3. The electromagnet E3 instantly generates a strong magnetic field, attracting the magnetic component D2 fixed to one end of the locking lever D1. This magnetic force overcomes the elastic force of the return spring D3, causing the locking lever D1 to move towards the electromagnet E3, completely disengaging the protruding part at its end from the recessed structure C2 of the movable door C1. Once the locking lever D1 is disengaged, the movable door C1 is unlocked and becomes freely rotatable, allowing an authorized pet to easily push the door open and enter.

[0020] Another key feature of this invention lies in its intelligent identity recognition subsystem and access control logic. The internal memory of the control unit E2 is pre-programmed and stores the unique identification code (ID) of the RFID collar worn by the authorized pet (cat) in the home. When a cat wearing this authorized collar approaches the litter box at a certain distance (usually within the effective reading range of the RFID reader E1, for example, 10-30 cm), the RFID reader E1 senses the radio frequency signal emitted by the collar and successfully reads its unique ID code. The control unit E2 is then activated and compares the read ID code with the internally stored list of authorized ID codes. If the verification is successful, confirming the visitor as an authorized pet, the control unit E2 immediately outputs a brief pulse energizing signal to the electromagnet E3, driving the door lock mechanism to unlock, as described above. After the cat enters, the movable door C1 automatically swings back and closes under gravity. It is worth noting that the system does not immediately lock the door as soon as the cat leaves the reading range. After detecting the disappearance of the RFID signal (indicating that the cat has left the sensing area), the control unit E2 activates an internal programmable safety delay timer. This delay time can be set according to actual needs, for example, between 3 and 15 seconds. Only after the delay ends will the control unit E2 cut off the power supply to the electromagnet E3. After the electromagnet E3 demagnetizes, the locking lever D1 quickly resets under the action of the return spring D3, re-engaging into the recessed structure C2 of the movable door C1, locking the door. This safety delay mechanism is crucial, ensuring that the cat has ample time to leave calmly, effectively avoiding the risk of pinching or frightening the pet that might occur from hastily locking the door.

[0021] The shell structure of this utility model also considers stability and durability. The upper shell A1 forms the main outline of the litter box, and its internal space is sufficient to hold a certain depth of cat litter, ensuring the pet's comfort when using the toilet. The lower shell A2 not only serves as a supporting base, but its connection with the upper shell A1 is usually designed with reinforcing ribs or interlocking structures to enhance the rigidity of the overall frame. The sand filter grid A4, as a component of the lower shell A2, can be integrally molded with it or installed as a separate component via a slot, facilitating cleaning or replacement. The drawer-type waste collection compartment A3 has an appropriate gap between its side wall and the internal cavity of the shell to ensure smooth draw and prevent cat litter leakage. In some embodiments, the bottom of the waste collection compartment A3 can be designed with a slight incline, which helps to concentrate excrement in a specific area, facilitating more effective operation of subsequent automatic cleaning mechanisms (such as a scooping mechanism, not shown in the figure).

[0022] The layout of the integrated control module has also been carefully designed. Its front panel B1 faces the pet, and the antenna of the RFID reader E1 is preferably positioned inside the front panel B1 near the center to achieve optimal signal coverage. The circuit board of the control unit E2 can be mounted vertically or horizontally inside the housing and connects to the RFID reader E1, the electromagnet E3, and the power supply interface A5 via connectors, facilitating assembly and maintenance. The installation position of the electromagnet E3 needs to be precisely aligned with the magnetic component D2 of the locking lever D1 to ensure sufficient magnetic force to overcome spring resistance when energized. The preload of the return spring D3 needs to be calculated and tested to ensure reliable pushing of the locking lever D1 into the locked position when power is off, but not so large that the electromagnet E3 would require excessive current to unlock it. Limiting components (such as retaining rings or stops) are used to prevent the locking lever D1 from deviating from its predetermined trajectory during movement.

[0023] The design of the sliding door C1 also prioritizes practicality and safety. Its material can be a lightweight yet sturdy plastic, such as ABS, to reduce the strain on pets when trying to open it. The recessed structure C2 at the door panel connection needs sufficient depth and appropriate contour to ensure the protrusion of the locking rod D1 can securely engage, preventing accidental opening. The pivot point of the sliding door C1 can be located at the top or side, but its rotation range should be physically limited to avoid excessive opening that could cause structural damage or pinching risks. A soft sealing strip can be installed at the bottom or edges of the door to reduce impact noise when closing and prevent cat litter from splashing out from the door gaps.

[0024] The software implementation of the control logic is also a crucial component of this embodiment. The microprocessor in control unit E2 runs firmware that manages continuous RFID signal scanning, ID code comparison, the driving timing of electromagnet E3, and the management of the safety delay timer. The program can be designed for low power consumption; if no RFID signal is detected for an extended period, control unit E2 can enter sleep mode to conserve power. When a valid RFID signal is detected, it quickly wakes up and executes the verification process. Authorization ID codes can be entered in various ways, such as pre-programming during manufacturing; using a dedicated setting button in conjunction with an indicator light to allow the device to enter learning mode and scan for new collars; or even connecting to a mobile app via Bluetooth / Wi-Fi, allowing users to remotely add and manage codes through the app. The safety delay duration can also be a configurable parameter, set via the aforementioned button combinations or the app, to accommodate the habits of different pets (such as slow-moving elderly cats).

[0025] In summary, a complete working cycle of this utility model is as follows: First, the user equips each cat in the home with an RFID collar containing a unique ID code, and enters the ID code into the authorization list of the control unit E2 through a learning mode (e.g., long-pressing the setting button to allow the reader E1 to scan the new collar). When an authorized cat approaches the litter box, the RFID reader E1 in the integrated control module automatically reads its collar ID. After successful verification by the control unit E2, the electromagnet E3 is instantly activated to engage the locking lever D1, releasing the lock on the movable door C1. The cat uses its head or body to push open the movable door C1 and enters the litter box. The movable door automatically closes after the cat leaves. After confirming that the cat has left (RFID signal disappears) and after a preset safety delay, the control unit E2 cuts off the power to the electromagnet E3. The locking lever D1 resets under the action of the return spring D3, relocking the movable door C1. This locked state effectively prevents other pets (such as dogs) not wearing authorized RFID collars from entering, thus achieving an intelligent, safe, and exclusive working cycle.

[0026] Although a preferred embodiment has been described above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible without departing from the core concept of this invention. For example, the door lock mechanism does not necessarily have to be electromagnetically driven; in some alternatives, a micro motor combined with a rack and pinion or worm gear structure can be used to achieve linear drive of the locking lever D1. The operating frequency of the RFID reader E1 can be low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), or ultra-high frequency (UHF), as long as it can cooperate with the corresponding RFID neckband to complete identification. The power supply interface of the control unit E2 is not limited to the USB Type-C interface A5; a Micro-USB or standard DC power interface can also be used. The specific shape of the housing, the style of the filter grid A4, the specific capacity and pull-out method of the drawer-type waste collection compartment A3, etc., can all be adaptively adjusted and changed according to industrial design, production process, and market demand. These variations and substitutions based on the same inventive concept should all be considered to fall within the protection scope sought by this invention.

[0027] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0028] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A smart cat litter box based on RFID identification, characterized in that, include: The housing includes an upper housing (A1) and a lower housing (A2) connected to each other, forming a cavity with a front opening, and a pull-out drawer-type waste collection compartment (A3) is provided at the bottom of the cavity. A movable door (C1) is movably disposed at the front opening for opening or closing the front opening; An integrated control module is fixedly installed on one side of the front opening of the housing, and its interior integrates an RFID reader (E1), a control unit (E2), and a door lock mechanism. The control unit (E2) is electrically connected to the RFID reader (E1) and the door lock mechanism, and is configured to: control the door lock mechanism to unlock the movable door (C1) when the RFID reader (E1) identifies an authorization signal; and control the door lock mechanism to lock the movable door (C1) after the authorization signal disappears.

2. The smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The door lock mechanism is an electromagnetic drive door lock mechanism, including an electromagnet (E3), a locking rod (D1) driven by the electromagnet (E3), and a recessed structure (C2) provided on the movable door (C1) for the locking rod (D1) to be engaged or disengaged.

3. The smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electromagnetic drive door lock mechanism also includes a magnetic component (D2) fixed to one end of the locking rod (D1) and a return spring (D3) sleeved on the locking rod (D1); when the electromagnet (E3) is energized, it generates a magnetic force to attract the magnetic component (D2), causing the locking rod (D1) to move against the elastic force of the return spring (D3) and disengage from the recessed structure (C2).

4. The smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit (E2) is configured to delay for a preset time after the authorization signal disappears before controlling the door lock mechanism to lock the movable door (C1).

5. The smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit (E2) has at least one RFID tag code for an authorized pet pre-stored in its internal storage; the control unit (E2) is configured to compare the tag code read by the RFID reader (E1) with the pre-stored RFID tag code, and determine that an authorization signal has been identified only when a match is found.

6. The smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower housing (A2) is provided with a sand filter grid (A4) at the entrance of the front opening.

7. The smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated control module is detachably fixed to the upper housing (A1) by screws or clips.

8. The smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated control module has an independent housing, which is composed of a front panel (B1) and a back panel (B2).

9. A smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated control module has a USB Type-C interface (A5) on its casing for powering the integrated control module.

10. A smart cat litter box based on RFID identification as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer-type waste collection compartment (A3) can be pulled out of the cavity via its front panel.

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