Foldable Disposable Litter Tray for Spill-Free Disposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet litter boxes require frequent and messy cleaning, with removable trays still causing spillage and inconvenience during litter disposal.

Innovation Solution

A disposable litter tray with foldable side and end flaps that convert from an in-use configuration to a stowed, portable configuration for easy disposal, using cardboard or paperboard material with moisture-resistant coatings and fasteners for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a removable tray is used in a litter box, then handling and disposal of spent litter becomes easier, but spillage and mess during disposal still occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling and disposal of spent litterVSAvoidspillage and mess

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tray incorporates side flaps that are stationary during use but can be dynamically folded outward during disposal to enclose the litter, transforming the tray from an open container to a closed package to prevent spillage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tray is divided into functional segments including the main tray body and separate side flaps that can be independently manipulated, allowing the flaps to be folded out for disposal while keeping the tray structure intact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional litter box cleaning is performed, then hygiene is maintained, but the process is time-consuming and messy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene maintenanceVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is designed as a disposable component that can be easily removed and discarded with spent litter, eliminating the need for time-consuming cleaning of the main litter box while maintaining hygiene

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The tray extracts the cleaning function from the main litter box by serving as a removable, disposable container that isolates spent litter, allowing the main box to remain clean and reducing cleaning frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12588648B2Disposable litter tray

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 RADIO SYST CORP

AI summary

A pet litter tray includes a main housing, a pair of oppositely disposed side flaps, and a pair of oppositely disposed end flaps. The main compartment has an interior space and an open top or top opening. The main compartment has a generally planar, rectangular floor, two oppositely disposed side walls, and two oppositely disposed end walls. Each end flap has an elongated tab mounting slot. Each side flap has a first portion extending from the side wall of the main compartment along the longitudinal first fold, a second portion extending from the first portion along a second fold, a third portion extending from the second portion along a longitudinal third fold, and a distal, fourth portion extending from the third portion along a longitudinal fourth fold. The fourth portion has two oppositely disposed end tabs and a central handle portion having a handle hole therethrough.