Telescoping Scooper with Flexible Corrugated Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pet owners face difficulties in efficiently and sanitarily collecting and disposing of pet waste without bending or direct contact, and existing 'pooper scooper' devices are cumbersome and lack versatility for handling various types of refuse.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible, hand-operated device with a flexible, corrugated extension and trigger-actuated jaw-like scooper that allows for sanitary handling of pet waste, integrated with a retractable leash and bag dispenser, enabling one-handed operation without direct contact and adjustable for different waste types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rigid cane-like handle with jaw scooper is used, then waste collection effectiveness is improved, but device portability and ease of storage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste collection effectivenessVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing the device to extend to a long length for effective waste collection, then retract to a compact size for easy portability and storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic telescoping mechanism that can change length, providing both extended reach for collection and compact form for storage through controlled extension and retraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a retractable leash mechanism is integrated with the scooper, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable leash mechanism and jaw scooper are merged into a single integrated device, allowing the leash to be stored within the handle structure while the jaw mechanism operates at the end, providing both leash and waste collection functions in one tool

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a retractable leash for pet control and a waste collection scooper, eliminating the need to carry separate devices for these common pet walking needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the central portion is made bendable with corrugated member, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The central portion incorporates a corrugated member that provides flexibility and bendability, allowing the device to be maneuvered around obstacles and positioned precisely while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the corrugated geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8833817B2Selectively bendable animal waste scooper for sanitary handling of animal droppings

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 KOVARIK CARTER J

AI summary

An animal waste scooper has a flexible extension adapted to be reversibly coiled such that when it is uncoiled, a trigger operated jaws/scooping portion of the device is employed to pick up waste. The flexible scooper device includes a handle with a trigger, a flexible, preferably corrugated extension assembly and a pair of jaws. Other embodiments are directed to a reversibly flexible, bendable hand operated device for grasping a golf ball from the ground from a standing position.