Retractable Pet Urinal With Self-Cleaning Concentric Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urban environments face significant deterioration and aesthetic issues due to pet urine, leading to increased cleaning and repair costs, and existing solutions do not effectively address the problem of pet urination in public and private spaces.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and self-cleaning urinal system with two concentric tubes that slide due to fluid action, incorporating a tray for urine and cleaning fluid, a compartment for collection, a drain, and a counterweight for automatic cleaning, allowing the system to be flush or below ground and integrate decorative elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional outdoor urinal device is installed, then pets can urinate in designated areas, but the urban environment deteriorates due to urine accumulation and aesthetic damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (urine) from the urban environment by providing a dedicated collection system. The urinal device captures urine at the source through a receiver tube, preventing it from contacting sidewalks, streetlights, and other urban furniture, thereby eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining pet urination convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the urinal device with collection compartment and drainage) between the pet urination act and the urban environment. This intermediary captures and channels urine through a controlled path to a collection point, preventing direct contact between urine and urban surfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling urination and preventing environmental damage
2Ease of manufacture
If cleaning services are continuously provided to maintain urban areas, then aesthetic appearance is preserved, but maintenance costs continuously increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the urinal device automatically collects and contains urine in a sealed compartment with drainage capability. This self-contained system prevents urine from requiring external cleaning interventions, eliminating the need for continuous maintenance services and associated costs while preserving urban aesthetic appearance
3Ease of operation
If a visible urinal structure is installed, then pets can easily locate it, but the aesthetic appearance of the urban environment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by concealing the functional urinal components within a decorative housing that resembles a flowerpot or garden ornament. The receiver tube and collection compartment are nested within the aesthetically pleasing outer structure, allowing the urinal to be located by pets through subtle indicators while maintaining the appearance of a decorative garden element rather than a functional sanitation device
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 urinal maintains hygiene, prevents environmental deterioration, and aesthetically blends into surroundings by automatically cleaning and retracting, reducing maintenance costs and improving urban appearance.
Implementation Method 1
two concentric tubes, able to slide one with respect to the other, due to the action of a fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second cleaning ring through which the cleaning fluid is supplied
Data Source
AI summary
A urinal for pets, intended for dogs, which can be installed in public roads and in private roads. The purpose of the disclosure is to create an area where animals can urinate in hygienic conditions that prevent the deterioration and poor image of the urban environment, the urinal being retractable and self-cleaning. The urinal can be installed flush with the ground or below the ground and is based on a pair of concentric tubes, one of which is moveable with respect to the other, being at rest in the retracted position, that is, when not in use, while, when in use, one of the tubes for receiving the animal urine is visible. When returned to the rest position, the tube for receiving the animal urine is cleaned by means of a cleaning fluid. In addition, the urinal can be integrated into the surroundings, since it can incorporate a decorative element.