Tapered-Opening Cat Litter Mat for Durability and Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cat litter pads are inefficient in removing litter from a cat's paws due to small opening sizes, leading to reduced durability and increased odor issues from urine absorption.
Innovation Solution
A cat litter mat with planar upper and lower layers made of synthetic material, featuring tapered openings that increase in cross-sectional area from the upper to the lower surface, allowing for effective litter removal while maintaining durability and water repellency to prevent odor absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the wall thickness for the grid is increased to provide durability and long life, then the structural strength and longevity of the cat litter pad are improved, but the opening size is reduced which decreases the efficiency of removing litter from the cat's paws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat grid structure to a three-dimensional tapered opening structure. The openings are wider at the top surface and narrower at the bottom, creating a conical shape that allows large opening area for efficient litter removal while maintaining sufficient wall thickness for durability. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction between opening size and wall thickness.
2Productivity
If the wall thickness for the grid is reduced to increase opening size and improve litter removal efficiency, then the productivity of litter removal is improved, but the overall construction becomes flimsy and subject to rapid wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered three-dimensional structure allows the openings to have large cross-sectional area at the top for efficient litter removal while the walls maintain sufficient thickness at the bottom for durability. This resolves the contradiction between productivity and reliability by utilizing vertical dimensional variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies using elastomeric material with durometer of 20-40 Shore A, combining material flexibility and durability. This material selection ensures the grid can withstand wear and tear while maintaining its structural integrity and opening geometry over time.
3Ease of operation
If the cat litter pad is made from elastomeric material that soaks up urine, then the material provides flexibility and comfort, but it results in undesirable odor from urine absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that the elastomeric pad will absorb urine and develop odor over time, making it a temporary solution that needs replacement. This is acceptable given the low cost and the fact that the pad serves its primary litter removal function effectively during its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waterproof liner as an intermediary layer between the elastomeric pad and the litter box. This liner prevents direct contact between urine and the elastomeric material, eliminating odor absorption while maintaining the flexibility and comfort of the elastomeric pad.
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 mat efficiently removes litter from a cat's paws, maintaining durability and allowing easy cleaning by separating layers for litter disposal, while the water-repellent material prevents urine absorption and odors.
Implementation Method 1
the entire cat litter mat is covered with a water repellant. The water repellant thus repels urine and enables quick and complete cleaning of the cat litter mat
Data Source
AI summary
A cat litter box mat having a planar upper layer which overlaps and covers a planar lower layer. In some embodiments, the planar upper layer includes a pair of planar upper layers. The planar upper layers are connected to the planar lower layer. A plurality of openings are formed through the upper layers and these openings increase in area from a lower surface of each upper layer to an upper surface of the upper layers. Connecting members are provided for joining additional mats placed adjacent one another.