Biodegradable Lattice Dog Waste Collection Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for picking up dog waste are unpleasant and inefficient, often using plastic bags that can leak bacteria and require direct contact with the waste, and the waste is typically sent to landfills where it remains for centuries.
Innovation Solution
A device using a paper lattice material within a reusable canister that adheres to dog waste when pressed down, allowing for easy lifting and storage without direct contact, and a disposable lid for containment during transport, with an optional pole handle for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic bag is used to collect dog waste, then the waste can be contained and transported, but the bag can leak bacteria and requires direct contact with the waste which is unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a paper lattice material as an intermediary between the user and the dog waste. The lattice structure allows the waste to be picked up without direct hand contact, while the paper material is biodegradable and does not leak bacteria like plastic bags. The lattice acts as a mediator that provides both containment and hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable paper lattice materials that are used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for cleaning and reusing plastic bags, reducing bacterial contamination risks. The disposable nature ensures that each new collection uses a fresh, sterile material.
2Ease of operation
If plastic bags are used for waste collection, then the waste can be transported, but the waste is sent to landfills where it remains for centuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable paper-based materials that are biodegradable, contrasting with persistent plastic bags. The paper lattice and lid decompose naturally after disposal, eliminating long-term landfill contamination while maintaining adequate transport functionality for waste collection.
3Device complexity
If direct hand contact with waste is required, then the collection process is simple, but the warmth and texture of the waste is difficult for most people to become accustomed to
Solution Approach 1:
The paper lattice material serves as an intermediary that eliminates direct hand contact with dog waste. Users place the lattice over the waste, press to adhere, and lift without touching the waste itself, significantly improving user comfort while maintaining collection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the collection process into distinct components: the paper lattice for contactless pickup, the canister for containment, and the lid for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the lattice handling the unpleasant contact task.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a reusable canister with disposable paper lattice is used, then the device provides earth-friendly solution, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into reusable and disposable components. The reusable canister and lid are made of durable materials for repeated use, while the paper lattice is disposable and biodegradable. This segmentation reduces environmental impact by eliminating plastic waste while maintaining structural functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable canister serves multiple functions: containing the disposable paper lattice, holding the collected waste, and providing a handle for transport. The lid provides both containment and sealing functions. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device structure complexity by consolidating multiple needs into a single integrated system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a biodegradable, earth-friendly solution for collecting and transporting dog waste, reducing bacterial contamination and odor, while allowing for discreet and efficient disposal without the need for plastic bags.
Implementation Method 1
placement of the device onto a pile of waste with manual pressure adheres the waste to the lattice material
Data Source
AI summary
A dog waste clean-up tool for retrieving solid waste from the ground is disclosed. A reusable canister with interior paper dividing walls is placed onto the dog waste with its opening and dividers facing down. The user presses the canister, and its dividers, into the waste by stepping on the bottom of the canister and placing weight onto the canister until waste adheres to the dividers. The user picks up the canister and places it onto a disposable lid. The soiled paper dividers and the lid are ejected from the canister into a garbage bin or a composting bin.