Automated Litter Device with Laser Sensors and Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated litter devices face challenges in accurately detecting animal presence, waste levels, and odor management, with existing sensors being prone to damage and having limited sensing ranges, and requiring human intervention for litter refilling.
Innovation Solution
An automated litter device equipped with laser sensors adjacent to the entry opening for detecting animal presence and waste levels, a filtering system for odor control, and an integrated litter dispenser to maintain litter levels without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed within the waste drawer to detect waste levels, then waste detection accuracy is improved, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to exposure to litter, urine, and feces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical sensors positioned outside the waste drawer that detect waste levels through the translucent drawer walls. The translucent material acts as an intermediary, allowing optical detection without direct sensor exposure to harmful waste materials, thus maintaining both detection accuracy and sensor reliability
2Device complexity
If a narrow sensing curtain is used at the device opening, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot detect animals inside the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point sensing curtain at the opening to a distributed array of sensors positioned around the chamber. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables detection of animals anywhere within the chamber volume, not just at the entrance, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity
3Loss of time
If waste is stored in a sealed drawer for extended periods, then loss of time between cleanings is reduced, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to odor buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an oxidizing agent delivery system that releases oxidizing substances into the waste drawer to chemically break down odor-causing compounds in the waste. This accelerated oxidation process eliminates harmful odors during extended storage periods, allowing longer intervals between cleanings without odor buildup
4Loss of time
If litter is not frequently refilled manually, then loss of time for maintenance is reduced, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to insufficient litter leading to increased odors and waste contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated litter dispensing system that monitors litter levels and automatically refills the chamber from a storage container. This self-service mechanism maintains adequate litter levels without human intervention, preventing odors and waste adhesion while eliminating manual refilling time
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
Enhances precision in detecting animal presence and waste levels, reduces odor buildup, and extends device usability by automatically refilling litter, improving user experience and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more laser sensors adjacent to the entry opening which sense the presence of the animal within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a filtering system configured for reducing, eliminating, and/or preventing malodors building in the base
Data Source
AI summary
An automated litter device having: a base; and a chamber configured for retaining a litter and rotatably supported by the support base, wherein the chamber includes: an entry opening so that an animal can enter and exit the chamber; and a waste opening generally opposing the entry opening configured so that an animal waste passes through the waste opening into the base upon rotation of the chamber; wherein the automated litter device includes one or more of: i) one or more sensors located adjacent to the entry opening which are adapted to sense the presence of the animal within the chamber, the presence of the waste in the base, a level of litter in the chamber, a position of the chamber relative to the base, or any combination thereof; ii) a filtering system configured for reducing, eliminating, and/or preventing, malodors building in the base; and/or iii) a litter dispenser in communication with the chamber to transfer some of the litter to the chamber.