Self Cleaning Litter Box with Segmented Comb
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic self-cleaning litter boxes face issues such as unpleasant odors, clogging due to excess litter, difficulty in cleaning the comb, and the need for manual intervention to remove stuck litter, which complicates pet waste disposal and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a self-cleaning litter box with a motor-driven comb that automatically separates waste from litter, a sieve with multiple degrees of freedom for efficient litter removal, a noise-reducing sleep mode, and an ionizer to minimize odors, along with features like a ribbon cable for power delivery and a removable comb for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanically driven comb is used to separate litter clumps, then automatic cleaning function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The comb is divided into multiple independent tines that can move separately, allowing the comb to navigate through litter clumps more effectively while simplifying the overall mechanical structure by distributing the cleaning function across multiple simple elements rather than one complex moving part
Solution Approach 2:
The comb is designed with flexible tines that can dynamically adjust their position and angle as they move through the litter, enabling automatic adaptation to different clump sizes and shapes without requiring complex control mechanisms
2Productivity
If the comb sifts through litter to collect clumps, then waste separation efficiency is improved, but litter particles may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tines of the comb have varying spacing and lengths along their length, with tighter spacing near the base for effective clump engagement and wider spacing toward the tips to allow loose litter particles to pass through, thereby separating waste efficiently while minimizing litter loss
Solution Approach 2:
A vibration mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element that gently agitates the litter during the combing process, helping to loosen clumps for easier separation while simultaneously preventing loose particles from being accidentally picked up or lost
3Ease of operation
If the comb deposits clumps in a waste bin, then manual cleaning effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a waste bin with automatic detection and emptying capabilities, where sensors detect when the bin is full and trigger an automated emptying sequence, allowing the system to service itself and eliminate the need for manual waste bin maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system for waste disposal is replaced with an automated mechanism that uses sensors, motors, and control systems to detect when the waste bin is full and automatically empty it, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems
4Loss of time
If a pet sensor detects pet presence, then cleaning timing is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pet sensor triggers the cleaning mechanism to begin operation in advance of when the pet actually leaves the box, allowing clumps to form and settle before the comb engages, thereby optimizing cleaning timing and effectiveness without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automatic self cleaning litter box. In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a litter receptacle, a drive unit moveably coupled to the litter receptacle, and a sieve coupled to the drive unit such that the sieve possesses at least two degrees of freedom of movement relative to the litter receptacle and at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the drive unit.