Optical Motion Sensing for Automated Litter Box Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic litter boxes face challenges in detecting smaller animals and obstructions due to insensitive or expensive weight sensors, and safety concerns arise from moving edges and corners during cleaning cycles, which can cause collisions with other objects.
Innovation Solution
A motion and obstruction sensing system using flexible support rods with reflective optical sensors to detect changes in position and relative movement between subassemblies, allowing for the use of inexpensive components to detect animal presence and obstructions, and incorporating safety features to prevent collisions by reversing cycle direction and stopping when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight sensors are used to detect animal presence, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases and sensitivity to small animals becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical weight sensors with an optical detection system using light sources and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive and size-sensitive weight sensors, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains high detection sensitivity for small animals by detecting their presence through optical means rather than mechanical weight measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical elements (light sources and photodetectors) as intermediaries to detect animal presence. Instead of directly measuring weight, the system uses light reflection or interruption caused by the animal's presence as an intermediary indicator, enabling detection of small animals without requiring sensitive weight measurement capabilities.
2Productivity
If moving edges and corners are used in cleaning cycle, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential collisions with external objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection using optical sensors positioned to detect objects in the path of moving edges and corners before the cleaning cycle begins or during operation. This preliminary action allows the system to identify potential collision risks and take preventive measures, such as stopping or reversing the cleaning cycle, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while preventing damage to external objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where optical detectors continuously monitor the environment during the cleaning cycle. When an obstruction is detected, the system receives feedback and automatically adjusts its operation by stopping or reversing the cleaning cycle, thus preventing collisions while maintaining effective cleaning operation under normal conditions.
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 system effectively detects animal presence and obstructions, preventing collisions and ensuring safety by using cost-effective sensors and flexible support rods, allowing for accurate and reliable operation of automated litter boxes.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first detector is attached to the other of the subassemblies and positioned proximate the first position member so that changes in the relative position of the first position member are detected
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for detecting motion between two subassemblies, for example in or near a litter box. A first subassembly includes a first frame adapted for supporting a receptacle. A second subassembly includes a second frame adapted for resting on a steady surface. Connecting members connect the subassemblies such that relative movement between them can occur. At least a first position indicating member is attached to one the subassemblies and at least a first detector is attached to the other of the subassemblies. The detector is positioned proximate the first position indicating member so that changes in relative position are detected. Preferably, the device includes a second position indicating member and a second detector for detecting more precise changes in relative position. It is also preferred for each position indicating member to include a patterned marker.