Illuminated Dog Waste Collection Tool with Elastomeric Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog-waste collection methods often fail to effectively contain dog waste before it reaches the ground, particularly at night, and do not address the cumulative environmental contamination risk posed by pet waste in metropolitan areas.
Innovation Solution
A dog-waste collection apparatus featuring an illuminated ring with a telescoping handle and elastomeric coating, which holds a bag open to collect waste and includes a clip for carrying full bags, utilizing low-voltage lights and a switch for power control, ensuring efficient waste containment and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional bag holders are used at night, then the bag can be held open for waste collection, but the user cannot effectively position or see the bag in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function directly into the bag holder structure by integrating an LED light source and power supply into the housing. This merging of functions allows the device to provide both mechanical bag holding and optical illumination without requiring separate devices, thereby improving nighttime visibility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag holder is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanically holding the bag open, providing illumination for visibility, and offering a stable platform for waste collection. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both the mechanical need for bag support and the optical need for nighttime visibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bag holder structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production costs decrease, but the ability to securely hold and release the bag may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric coating on the bag holder surface that provides secure gripping of the bag through friction while allowing easy release. This flexible material layer can be applied through conventional coating processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving the reliability of bag holding and releasing compared to rigid alternatives.
3Force
If the elastomeric coating provides strong gripping force to hold the bag, then the bag is securely held, but the user may have difficulty peeling the bag away for disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric coating is designed with specific viscoelastic properties that provide strong initial gripping force to securely hold the bag during waste collection, but allow progressive deformation that facilitates peeling and removal. This time-dependent mechanical behavior enables both secure holding and easy release without requiring excessive force in either direction.
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 apparatus effectively collects dog waste before it touches the ground, especially at night, reducing environmental contamination by ensuring proper disposal and providing a convenient method for carrying full bags.
Implementation Method 1
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are a light source that requires very low voltage and can be configured to generate little heat. An LED is a two-lead semiconductor light source that releases energy in the form of photons when a suitable voltage is applied to the two leads.
Implementation Method 2
The lens is covered with a castable elastomeric material having a texture suitable for gripping a plastic bag in a sheer direction sufficiently to hold the bag when draped over the ring
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for holding a bag open at the end of a telescoping handle. The apparatus includes an elastomerically coated, illuminated ring for releasably holding a bag while collecting dog waste before it reaches the ground. Additional features include a clip or clamp to hold a full bag of dog waste to carry it away for proper disposal.