Lever-Actuated Claw for Sanitary Pet Waste Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet feces removal devices are cumbersome and unsanitary, particularly for individuals with knee and back issues, as they require bending and may involve direct contact with feces during collection and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A waste catching device featuring an elongated rod with a handle, lever-actuated claw mechanism, and spring-biased pivoting arms that opens and closes to collect feces in a disposable bag without touching the waste, ensuring no contact and no ground contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elongated rod with lever-actuated claw mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved (no bending required), but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: an elongated rod for reach, a lever mechanism for actuation, a claw assembly with pivoting arms for gripping, and a spring for biasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall operational simplicity despite the increased number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The claw mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including pivoting arms that rotate to open and close the claw, a lever that translates linear motion into rotational motion of the claw, and a spring that provides continuous biasing force. These dynamic components enable automatic opening and closing actions without requiring complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a spring-biased claw mechanism is used to automatically close the bag, then the reliability is improved (consistent closing action), but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased claw mechanism is designed to automatically close the bag without requiring additional user intervention. When the lever is released, the spring's stored energy automatically drives the pivoting arms to close the claw and seal the bag, making the system self-actuating and reliable.
3Strength
If the claw mechanism is designed to hold the bag securely, then the strength is improved (secure holding), but the ease of operation worsens (difficult to open)
Solution Approach 1:
The claw mechanism operates through periodic action: the lever is pressed to open the claw, the bag is positioned, the lever is released to close and secure the bag, then the lever is pressed again to open for removal. This periodic cycle allows the mechanism to provide strong holding when closed while remaining easily openable when needed.
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 device allows for pain-free, sanitary collection and disposal of pet feces, eliminating the need for bending and direct contact with waste, maintaining cleanliness and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing distal ends of the first pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm together
Implementation Method 2
the handle comprising a lever; pressing against the lever, thereby urging the first pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm away from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A waste catching device includes an elongated rod having a first end and a second end. A handle is coupled to the first end the elongated rod. The handle includes a lever. A head is coupled to the second end of the elongated rod 18. The head includes a claw having a first pivoting arm and a second pivoting arm. A spring biases distal ends of the first pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm together. Bands couple the lever to proximal ends of the first pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm. The claw includes an open position and a closed position. The open position includes the lever actuated to pull the first pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm away from one another, and a closed position includes the lever released.