Nested Waste Scoop Containment System for Toddler Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste scoop containment systems do not effectively deter toddlers from touching contaminated scoops and lack safe storage solutions, potentially spreading disease-causing pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A containment system comprising an outer and inner receptacle with coupling elements, a scoop assembly, and a compartment for odor reduction, designed to securely store a waste scoop and deter toddlers by mechanical coupling that prevents unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a waste scoop is stored in an open or simple container, then accessibility is improved, but toddler safety and pathogen containment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into multiple segments: an outer receptacle, an inner receptacle that fits within it, and a lid assembly. This segmentation allows the system to provide both accessibility (easy opening by adults) and safety (multiple barriers preventing toddler access to the scoop)
Solution Approach 2:
The inner receptacle is nested within the outer receptacle, creating a containment-within-containment structure. The scoop is stored in the inner receptacle, which itself is stored in the outer receptacle. This nested arrangement provides multiple physical barriers that prevent toddlers from accessing the contaminated scoop while maintaining easy accessibility for adults
2Ease of operation
If a waste scoop is left exposed or in a simple holder, then ease of access is improved, but disease transmission risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs the inner receptacle as a flexible or rigid shell that completely encloses the waste scoop. This shell barrier prevents pathogens from being released into the environment while still allowing easy access for adults who can open the receptacle to retrieve the scoop
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a containment system with multiple barriers is used, then toddler safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested receptacle design provides multiple containment barriers without requiring completely separate systems. The inner receptacle fits within the outer receptacle, creating a compact multi-layer containment structure that protects toddlers while remaining relatively simple in its integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the outer receptacle serves as both a storage container and a toddler barrier, the inner receptacle provides secondary containment, and the lid assembly combines sealing and additional protection functions. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A containment system to safely store a waste scoop includes: an outer receptacle including a bottom surface, at least one side wall, an opening and a first coupling element; an inner receptacle including a bottom surface and at least one side wall housed within the outer receptacle and including an opening, wherein the inner receptacle is removable from the outer receptacle via the opening of the outer receptacle; a scoop assembly including a scoop, a handle, and a lid, wherein the scoop is housed within the inner receptacle and is removable from the inner receptacle via the opening of the inner receptacle; a compartment including a second coupling element for connecting the compartment to the outer receptacle via the first and second coupling elements; and a third and fourth coupling element to secure a planar surface of the lid to cover the opening of the outer receptacle.