Electric Scoop with Rotatable Paddle and Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for picking up and disposing of animal excrement are inefficient in containing and directing waste, often allowing it to be dispersed rearwardly, which complicates the scooping process and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
An electric scoop with a bifurcated frame, a disposable bag, and a rotatable paddle system powered by a motor, where the paddle is operated via a switch at the top handle, ensuring excrement is directed into the bag and preventing rearward dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a manual scoop is used to pick up animal excrement, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the excrement is often dispersed rearwardly and containment efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual scooping action with an electric motor-driven rotatable paddle system. The motor automatically rotates the paddle to scoop and direct excrement into the bag, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while improving containment efficiency through consistent rotational motion and directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable paddle system introduces dynamic motion to the scooping process. The paddle rotates to actively engage and propel excrement forward into the bag, rather than relying on static or manual scooping motions. This dynamic action ensures better containment by directing waste forward rather than allowing rearward dispersion.
2Reliability
If a rotatable paddle system is added to direct excrement into the bag, then containment efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable paddle serves multiple functions: it scoops up excrement, directs it forward, and prevents rearward dispersion. The single component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, thereby improving containment efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield positioned about the paddle acts as an intermediary element that guides excrement flow. It prevents waste from bypassing the paddle and being directed rearwardly, thereby enhancing containment efficiency with a simple additive component rather than a complex mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the paddle is operated via a switch at the top handle, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-driven paddle system operates automatically once activated by the switch. The motor self-regulates the paddle rotation, eliminating the need for continuous manual manipulation. This automation improves ease of operation while keeping the control system simple with just a switch and motor.
4Reliability
If a shield is positioned about the paddle to prevent rearward dispersion, then containment efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield converts the potentially harmful rearward dispersion of excrement into a beneficial forward-directed flow. By blocking the rearward path, the shield forces excrement to follow the intended forward trajectory into the bag, improving containment efficiency with a simple structural modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield can be implemented as a thin, lightweight structure that provides effective containment without adding significant weight or complexity. It acts as a simple barrier that guides waste flow while maintaining an elegant and simple overall device structure.
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
Effectively contains and directs animal excrement into a disposable bag, enhancing the scooping efficiency and hygiene by ensuring all waste is collected within the bag, allowing for easy disposal and repeated use of the scoop.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable paddle is operated via a switch located adjacent the top handle
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus including a scoop having an elongated frame with handle at the top for manipulating the the bottom of the scoop along the ground at the location of excrement to be scooped. The frame includes a bifurcated double pole section to which a disposable bag may be attached. The bag has an opening which faces the front of a rotatable paddle located at the end of the single pole part of the frame. The rotatable paddle is operated via a switch located adjacent the top handle. A shield is positioned about the paddle to prevent excrement being directed rearwardly of the frame. The rotatable paddle includes at least one but preferably two and more preferably three paddles which are spaced about a central axle which itself extends perpendicular to the single pole part of the frame.