Compostable Scoop Using Pulp Composite Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional scoops for powder-like materials are non-biodegradable, leading to environmental issues, while biodegradable options lack durability and structural integrity, and often require industrial composting and non-sustainable materials.

Innovation Solution

A compostable scoop made from tree-free pulp material with a dual-form design and plant-based adhesive, providing structural rigidity and home compostability, along with customizable features using embossed or printed plant-based pigments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional plastic or metal materials are used for scoops, then durability and rigidity are improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to non-biodegradability and pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability and rigidityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution and landfill exhaustion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional plastic or metal to molded pulp material, which is biodegradable and compostable. This parameter change maintains sufficient structural strength for scoop functionality while eliminating the environmental persistence and pollution issues associated with conventional materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by bonding multiple pulp material layers together using biodegradable adhesives. This composite approach enhances the mechanical strength and rigidity of the compostable scoop, resolving the contradiction between using weak biodegradable materials and achieving durable performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable materials are used for scoops, then environmental sustainability is improved, but structural integrity and durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidstructural integrity and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite construction by bonding multiple pulp material layers together using biodegradable adhesives. This composite approach enhances the mechanical strength and rigidity of the compostable scoop, resolving the contradiction between using weak biodegradable materials and achieving durable performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the scoop. The handle and bowl areas are designed with optimized thickness and reinforcement patterns to provide localized strength where needed, while maintaining overall compostability. This local quality enhancement allows the biodegradable material to achieve sufficient structural integrity for its intended use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If industrial composting processes are used, then biodegradation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to specialized facility requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiodegradation capabilityVSAvoidcomposting accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the material composition parameters of the pulp and adhesives to enable decomposition under milder, home-composting conditions rather than requiring industrial facilities. This parameter adjustment allows the scoop to be composted in typical household environments, greatly improving ease of operation and disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If synthetic dyes and adhesives are used in biodegradable scoops, then customization and branding are improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to toxins and composting interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization and brandingVSAvoidtoxins and composting interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of coloring and bonding agents from synthetic petroleum-based substances to natural plant-based alternatives. This parameter change enables customization and branding capabilities while ensuring the additives remain non-toxic and compatible with composting processes, thus maintaining environmental sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12169140B1Compostable scoop and method of making same

Publication Date: 2024.12.17 COMPOSTABLE LLC

AI summary

A compostable scoop for use with a powder-like substance includes a first form including a cup shaped element configured for scooping a powder-like material, the cup-shaped element coupled to a handle element configured for holding by hand, the handle element having a channel on its top and a ridge on its bottom for structural rigidity, the first form composed of a compostable composition substantially including pulp, a second form congruent with the first form, wherein the second form is shaped and sized to be pressed on top of, and together with, the first form, the second form composed of the compostable composition substantially including pulp, and an adhesive layer deposited between the first form and the second form, wherein the adhesive layer holds the first and second forms securely together.