Biodegradable Pet Waste Mat with Seed-Embedded Base and Interlocking Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet waste collection devices are not biodegradable and lack interlocking connectors, failing to provide a sustainable and convenient solution for concealing pet waste while allowing plant growth, which is essential for aesthetic and environmental reasons.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable pet waste collection mat with a base impregnated with ground cover seeds and interlocking connectors along the periphery, allowing multiple mats to be connected, which conceals waste as plants grow through slots in the upper wall, eventually decomposing and fertilizing the surrounding land.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plastic bags are used for collecting and disposing of waste, then waste collection is simple and convenient, but the bags are not biodegradable and are added to landfills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-biodegradable plastic to biodegradable materials (paper, cardboard, or biodegradable plastic), transforming the environmental characteristics while maintaining the waste collection function
Solution Approach 2:
The mat is designed as a disposable biodegradable product that serves its purpose and then decomposes naturally, replacing permanent plastic bags with a short-lived but environmentally friendly alternative
2Ease of operation
If pet waste is added to a garbage container, then waste is collected, but the container fills quickly and foul odors fill the apartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waste containment function from indoor garbage containers and relocates it to outdoor biodegradable mats, separating the odor problem from the living space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of waste accumulation into a beneficial outcome by using biodegradable materials that decompose naturally, transforming potential pollution into soil enrichment
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art devices with grass-seed medium are used, then plant growth is provided, but the devices lack interlocking connectors and biodegradable mat structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waste collection system into modular mat units with interlocking connectors, allowing multiple mats to be assembled together to cover larger areas while maintaining plant growth capabilities in each module
Solution Approach 2:
The mat structure combines multiple functions: waste collection, plant growth medium, interlocking assembly system, and biodegradable disposal, creating a universal solution that addresses all identified problems
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 solution provides a convenient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing method for pet waste disposal, allowing plants to grow and conceal waste, while the mat and waste decompose, enriching the soil over time.
Implementation Method 1
The base of the mat is impregnated with ground cover seeds so the seeds may grow upwards through the slots to conceal pet waste received on the upper wall
Implementation Method 2
Overtime, the mat and the pet waste decompose and fertilize the surrounding land
Data Source
AI summary
A pet waste collection mat for receiving a pet's waste. The pet waste collection mat is biodegradable and includes a mat having a base, one or more sidewalls, and an upper wall, defining an interior volume. The upper wall of the mat can receive pet waste thereon. Further, the upper wall includes a plurality of slots for allowing water and waste to fall onto the base. The base of the mat is impregnated with ground cover seeds so the seeds may grow upwards through the slots to conceal pet waste received on the upper wall. The pet waste collection mat further includes a plurality of interlocking connectors disposed along the periphery of the sidewalls so as to allow multiple mats to be connected to one another. Overtime, the mat and the pet waste decompose and fertilize the surrounding land.