Collapsible Pet Waste Scooper for Debris-Selective Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet waste scooping devices are cumbersome, require the user to catch waste as it exits the pet, scoop surrounding debris, and necessitate bending over, while waste bags are difficult to open and seal.
Innovation Solution
A pet waste scooping device with a collapsible pole and expandable grabber, featuring a rope or internal pole connected to a latch that opens appendages, and a pet waste bag with a peelable adhesive strip and gripping texture for easy identification and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional scooping devices are used, then waste can be collected, but the device is large, cumbersome, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The scooping device is divided into separate functional components: a collapsible pole, a grabber mechanism with spring-loaded appendages, and a waste bag dispenser. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the device to collapse to a compact size when not in use, reducing weight and bulk while maintaining full functionality during waste collection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including a collapsible pole that can be extended or retracted, and a grabber with spring-loaded appendages that automatically open and close. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing full extension capability when required while collapsing to a compact, lightweight state during transport and storage.
2Ease of operation
If traditional scooping devices are used, then waste can be collected, but the user must bend over in an uncomfortable position for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a vertical pole dimension that allows the user to stand upright while operating the scooping mechanism. The grabber is positioned at the bottom of the pole, enabling waste collection from ground level without requiring the user to bend over. This dimensional change transforms the operating posture from bent-over to standing, significantly improving user comfort and reducing strain during extended use.
3Productivity
If traditional scooping devices are used, then waste can be collected, but the device scoops up rocks, sand, and dirt along with the waste
Solution Approach 1:
The grabber features four flexible appendages with specific local properties: they are designed to be compliant enough to conform to the shape of waste objects (urine stains, feces) while being stiff enough to resist bending over loose debris like rocks and sand. The spring-loaded mechanism provides localized force application that adapts to the contours of biological waste while maintaining separation from inorganic debris, enabling selective collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The grabber appendages function as flexible elements that can conform to the shape of waste objects while maintaining structural integrity. The flexibility of the appendages allows them to wrap around and secure biological waste, while their spring-loaded nature enables them to rebound and release loosely associated debris such as rocks and sand, achieving selective waste collection.
4Reliability
If traditional waste bags are used, then waste can be contained, but the bag is difficult to open and seal
Solution Approach 1:
The waste bag incorporates a tactile indicator strip as an intermediary element that provides friction-based feedback to the user. This strip creates a distinct tactile sensation when approached, serving as a mediator between the user and the bag opening, guiding the user to the correct location for opening and sealing operations without requiring visual inspection or trial-and-error handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste bag incorporates a tactile indicator strip that provides visual and tactile feedback. The strip's distinct tactile properties and visual contrast serve as a indicator to the user about the bag's orientation and the location of the opening and sealing areas, making the bag easier to operate without requiring extensive handling or trial-and-error.
5Reliability
If traditional waste bags are used, then waste can be contained, but the user must excessively handle the bag which results in undesirable smelling
Solution Approach 1:
The waste bag system is designed to be self-contained with the opening and sealing functions integrated into the bag structure itself. The tactile indicator strip and pre-configured opening/sealing areas eliminate the need for users to manually manipulate or handle the bag beyond simple insertion and sealing actions, reducing exposure to waste odor while maintaining effective containment.
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 allows for easy waste collection without bending over and reduces scooping of debris, while the bag is easy to open and seal, providing a convenient and hygienic waste disposal solution.
Implementation Method 1
the at least three appendages are connected to a grabber spring
Implementation Method 2
a latch that is configured to cause the at least three appendages to reversibly expand outward to an open position when the rope is pulled
Implementation Method 3
a peelable adhesive strip connected to the body portion by an anchor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides pet waste scooping devices that are useful for scooping waste from a pet, such as a dog, and also provides pet waste bags that are useful for collecting and securing pet waste, as well as packages and kits of the same, and methods of manufacturing and using the same.