Animal Waste Collection Device with Upright Scooping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for collecting animal waste require users to bend down, exposing them to unpleasant odors and potential health issues, and existing devices often require cleaning after contact with waste, which is unsanitary and uncomfortable.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection device with a containment mechanism and scooping mechanism that allows users to stand upright, using a receptacle with a bag attachment and a handle with retaining members to keep the non-disposable parts clean, and a scooping mechanism with tines that minimizes direct contact with waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional scooping methods are used, then waste can be collected, but the user must bend down which increases exposure to odors and heat from waste
Solution Approach 1:
The device extends the collection mechanism vertically through an elongated member that connects the receptacle to the handle member, allowing the user to remain upright while the scooping mechanism reaches down to collect waste. This dimensional extension resolves the contradiction by separating the user's body position from the collection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated member acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the waste, transmitting force while maintaining distance. This mediator allows the user to apply downward motion to the scooping mechanism without personally contacting or closely approaching the waste, thereby reducing exposure to harmful factors.
2Productivity
If conventional scooping devices are used, then waste can be collected, but the device comes into contact with waste requiring cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct segments: the receptacle that contains waste, the elongated member that transmits force, and the handle member that the user grips. The scooping mechanism with tines is designed to contact waste while the handle and elongated member remain clean, creating functional segmentation that reduces cleaning requirements for the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that the scooping mechanism (tines and lower plate portion) will contact waste and may need replacement or cleaning, while the main structural components (handle member and elongated member) remain clean and reusable. This selective disposability or cleanability of specific components resolves the contradiction by focusing maintenance only where necessary.
3Quantity of substance
If the receptacle is made larger to accommodate more waste, then collection capacity increases, but device size and portability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The scooping mechanism nests within or alongside the receptacle structure, with the tines and lower plate portion fitting into the containment space. This nested arrangement allows the receptacle to have sufficient capacity without requiring excessive overall device volume, as components are efficiently space-utilized rather than adding external bulk.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting waste that allows a user to stand upright and place the waste in a disposable bag such that the non-disposable parts of the device do not come into contact with the waste is provided. The device includes a containment mechanism for containing collected waste and a scooping mechanism placing the waste in containment mechanism. The containment mechanism includes a receptacle for receiving a bag for the waste; an elongated member attached to the receptacle at one end and a handle member at a second end. The scooping mechanism includes an elongated handle having a first handle end and a second handle end; a grip portion integrally connected to the first handle end; and a lower plate portion integrally connected to the second handle end, the lower plate portion including a plurality of tines.