Foldable Cat Litter Tray with Spillage-Resistant Segmented Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable cat litter trays with outwardly slanted walls are difficult to fold and dispose of, leading to litter granule spillage over the side walls, and those with vertical walls occupy more space, while all types face issues with litter accumulation and spillage during folding.
Innovation Solution
A spillage-resistant, outwardly slanted-wall cat litter tray design featuring a base with specific folding lines and handles that allow for easy folding and nesting, preventing litter granule spillage by directing them inwardly towards the central zone, making it compact and easy to dispose of.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If trays have outwardly slanted walls to enable nested stacking, then shelf space occupation is minimized, but folding becomes difficult and litter granules spill out during disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The tray wall is divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other. The front wall has a first segment and a second segment that can fold along a fold line, while the rear wall has corresponding segments. This segmentation allows the tray to be folded into a compact configuration for disposal while maintaining the outwardly slanted wall shape for nested stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The wall segments are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing the tray to change from its deployed nesting configuration to a folded disposal configuration. This dynamic capability enables both nested stacking and easy disposal.
2Volume of moving object
If trays have outwardly slanted walls, then nested stacking is enabled, but litter granules accumulate and spill out over the long side walls during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The tray design includes preliminary anti-action through the specific fold line configuration and segment arrangement that prevents litter granule spillage before it can occur. The fold lines are positioned and angled to direct litter granules inward toward the tray center during the folding process, counteracting the natural tendency of granules to spill outward over the long side walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall segments are designed with specific geometric parameters including fold line angles and segment dimensions that change the trajectory of litter granules during folding. The fold line angles are specifically configured to redirect litter granules inward, and the segment dimensions are optimized to contain granules while enabling folding.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If trays have vertical side walls to prevent spillage, then litter granule containment is improved, but shelf space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray uses dynamic foldable wall segments instead of static vertical walls. When deployed for use and nesting, the walls form an outwardly slanted configuration that minimizes shelf space. When folded for disposal, the segments move to create a more vertical configuration that prevents litter granule spillage, thus achieving both goals through dynamic reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall structure is segmented into multiple movable parts that can be configured differently for different functions. The segmentation allows the tray to present an outwardly slanted profile for nesting while being able to transition to a more contained configuration for disposal, avoiding the need for permanently vertical walls that would increase shelf space occupation.
4Ease of operation
If trays are designed for easy folding, then disposal becomes simple, but litter granules spill out over the side walls
Solution Approach 1:
The fold line configuration and segment design incorporate preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the folding path to direct litter granules inward toward the tray center. The fold lines are positioned and angled to naturally guide granules away from the outer edges during folding, preventing spillage before it can occur while maintaining ease of folding.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific geometric parameters of the foldable segments including fold line angles, segment lengths, and connection point positions are optimized to simultaneously enable easy folding and prevent litter granule spillage. The parameters are configured so that the natural folding motion directs granules inward rather than allowing them to spill outward.
Data Source
AI summary
A nestable foldable disposable tray is disclosed which features a cavity comprising a base and an outwardly slanted continuous wall. A set of fold lines in the base and the surrounding wall causes the tray to collapse inwardly when closed and gives the contents of the tray a lateral displacement which makes the tray resistant to spillage of its contents while it is being folded.