Disposable Waste Scoop with Interlocking Panels for Hygienic Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for collecting animal droppings are unhygienic, inconvenient, and often require direct handling, posing health risks and being expensive and complex in design.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection and storage device with a disposable container and extendable panels that can be easily opened and closed using a locking mechanism, allowing for safe and efficient scooping and storage of waste without direct hand contact, featuring a handle for easy carrying and optional attachment to an animal wearable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional methods (paper/plastic bags) are used for collecting animal droppings, then the collection process is simple, but it is unhygienic and requires direct hand handling posing health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized collection device with a container, scoop, and sealing mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the user and the waste. This intermediary structure allows waste collection without direct hand contact, eliminating health risks while maintaining operational convenience through integrated design elements like the scoop for picking up waste and the seal for secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a disposable container design that can be used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning and sanitization of reusable tools. This disposable approach reduces health risks associated with contamination of equipment while keeping the device simple and inexpensive, directly addressing both the health risk and ease of operation concerns.
2Ease of manufacture
If reusable devices are used for waste collection, then they can be used multiple times, but they are expensive and complicated in design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waste collection system into separate functional components: a disposable container for waste storage and a reusable handle with scoop for collection. This segmentation allows the complex functional requirements (reliability) to be met by the durable handle while the simple container keeps manufacturing costs low. Each component is optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable container that performs the waste-holding function at minimal manufacturing cost, while the reusable handle provides the durable, reliable mechanical functions. This approach achieves functional reliability through the robust handle design while keeping overall manufacturing expenses low by using inexpensive disposable materials for the container portion.
3Ease of operation
If direct hand handling of waste is performed, then the operation is simple, but it poses health risks and is unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized collection device with a container, scoop, and sealing mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the user and the waste. This intermediary structure allows waste collection without direct hand contact, eliminating health risks while maintaining operational convenience through integrated design elements like the scoop for picking up waste and the seal for secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a disposable container design that can be used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning and sanitization of reusable tools. This disposable approach reduces health risks associated with contamination of equipment while keeping the device simple and inexpensive, directly addressing both the health risk and ease of operation concerns.
4Ease of operation
If waste is stored in open containers, then access is easy, but the waste can leak or be exposed to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where the container can be opened for waste deposition and then sealed for secure containment and transport. The seal transitions from an open state during waste collection to a closed state during storage and disposal, providing both easy access when needed and reliable containment when required, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and containment reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
One example embodiment is a waste collection and storage device, comprising: (a) a disposable container with a body and a base; (b) a plurality of panels extended from the base, each of the panels has a panel distal end extending away from the body, the panel distal ends of the panels pointing inwardly and defining an opening therebetween in an open state; and (c) at least one locking mechanism disposed on at least one of the panels. When a force is applied on the body to the panel distal ends against a target surface having a waste, the panel distal ends move inwards towards each other and in turn close up the opening to form a closed state, and the body and the panels together create a cavity, such that the waste can be scooped up from the target surface and accommodated within the cavity. The locking mechanism locks the panels in the closed state to store the waste within the cavity. Other example embodiments are described herein. In certain embodiments, the waste collection and storage device is simple in structure and cost-efficient in manufacturing.