Pet Waste Pad with Integrated Drawstring Bag
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet waste collection systems fail to provide a hygienic and efficient method for collecting and disposing of pet waste without human contact, and they are not durable, damage-resistant, leak-proof, or inexpensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A pet waste collection apparatus comprising an absorbent pad with opposing outermost layers and innermost non-woven layers, featuring a drawstring that can be pulled taut to form a bag, enclose, and seal the waste, ensuring hygienic disposal and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pet waste pad is designed to be simple and inexpensive, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but it lacks the ability to hygienically enclose and seal waste without human contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the absorbent pad and disposal bag into a single integrated unit. The drawstring mechanism is built into the pad structure itself, merging the collection function and disposal function into one device, eliminating the need for separate bags and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining hygienic disposal capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The drawstring mechanism allows the pad to seal itself automatically when pulled, creating a self-contained waste enclosure without requiring human hands to contact the waste. The structure uses its own components (drawstring, hem, flaps) to perform the sealing function, achieving hygienic disposal through self-service
2Reliability
If a pet waste pad uses multiple layers and complex structures, then leak-proof performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible hem structure made from the pad's own material that can be folded and sealed. This thin, flexible film approach creates an effective leak-proof barrier without requiring rigid structures or multiple thick layers, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The disposal bag structure is nested within the pad layers, with the hem and flaps contained within the pad's own structure. This nested design allows multiple functional layers to coexist without increasing overall device complexity, as each layer serves multiple purposes
3Ease of operation
If a pet waste pad uses adhesive materials for attachment, then ease of use is improved, but durability and damage resistance decrease due to adhesive failure
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple independent adhesive regions distributed across the pad. This segmentation ensures that if one adhesive point fails, others remain intact to maintain attachment, improving overall durability while keeping each individual adhesive element simple for easy application
Solution Approach 2:
The pad incorporates adhesive materials in advance during manufacturing, preparing the attachment system beforehand. This pre-positioning of adhesive elements ensures they are ready for immediate use and can withstand the stresses of handling and disposal, balancing ease of use with durability
4Ease of operation
If a pet waste pad is designed for easy disposal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of waste containment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drawstring mechanism enables the pad to seal itself automatically when pulled, creating a self-contained waste enclosure without requiring human hands to contact the waste. The structure uses its own components (drawstring, hem, flaps) to perform the sealing function, achieving hygienic disposal through self-service
Solution Approach 2:
The hem structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural definition to the pad, creates the sealing mechanism when folded, and forms the closure for the disposal bag. This multi-functionality ensures reliable waste containment while maintaining ease of disposal through a single integrated structure
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 apparatus effectively collects and disposes of pet waste hygienically, is easy to use and handle, durable, damage-resistant, and cost-effective, while preventing leakage and human contact with waste.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent pad adapted to receive pet waste at the first outermost layer and prevent any the pet waste received at the first outermost layer from leaching through the absorbent pad to the second outermost layer
Implementation Method 2
the absorbent pad comprising a first outermost layer and a second outermost layer opposing one another and a plurality of innermost layers of non-woven material sandwiched between the first outermost layer and the second outermost layer
Implementation Method 3
a drawstring within the interior passageway having a drawstring exit portion exiting the pet waste collection apparatus through the drawstring exit; the drawstring exit portion of the drawstring adhesively and releasably fastened to the second outermost layer
Implementation Method 4
the pet waste collection apparatus adapted to form a shape of a bag when the drawstring exit portion of the drawstring is released from the second outermost layer and the drawstring is pulled taut
Implementation Method 5
the drawstring exit portion of the drawstring adhesively and releasably fastened to the second outermost layer portion of the second outermost layer at the lower periphery
Data Source
AI summary
A waste collection apparatus having an absorbent pad having opposing outermost layers, comprising a permeable layer and an opposing substantially leak proof layer; the absorbent pad comprising at least one innermost layer of waste absorbing material sandwiched and completely enclosed between the opposing outermost layers and completely filling a volume therebetween extending to the outer peripheral border, which has an interior passageway, a draw tape therein, and a plurality of outside cut off corners having adjacent interior passageway openings; the draw tape having a length greater than that of the outer peripheral border; the draw tape routed through the adjacent interior passageway openings exposing the draw tape at the outside cut off corners; the waste collection apparatus forming a bag, when the draw tape is pulled taut.