Portable Animal Waste Storage Container with Ground Securing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pet owners face challenges when picking up animal waste due to exposure to bacteria, mixing with household waste, odor issues, wind resistance of waste containers, and the inability to recycle plastic bags used for waste storage.
Innovation Solution
A portable waste storage apparatus with a container that can be secured to the ground, equipped with wheels, a hinged lid, and a device for picking up waste, allowing for the use of plastic liners and easy recycling of grocery bags, featuring a design that prevents spillage and odor contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a thin layer of plastic material is used to separate the hand from animal waste, then the device is simple and flexible, but the hand is exposed to bacteria when the plastic breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a plastic liner (thin film) that lines the container to provide a barrier between the user and animal waste. The liner is flexible enough to conform to the container shape while providing reliable protection against bacterial exposure when properly fitted and secured.
2Device complexity
If picked up waste is stored in the same trash container used for general household waste, then the storage system is simple, but unpleasant odors are experienced when depositing household waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into separate functional zones: a collection area for animal waste with its own liner, and a separate area for general household waste. This segmentation prevents odor mixing and allows independent management of different waste types.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic liner acts as an intermediary barrier between the animal waste and the household waste area, preventing direct contact and odor transfer. The liner can be removed and replaced independently to maintain hygiene.
3Ease of operation
If waste storage containers are left standing in an open area, then accessibility is improved, but they provide little resistance to strong wind and waste contents may spill out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved, hydrodynamic contour for the container that provides aerodynamic stability. The curved shape reduces wind resistance and prevents the container from being overturned by strong winds, while maintaining accessibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If waste storage containers are constructed to accept specially made plastic bags, then the container design is optimized, but those who desire to recycle plastic bags used for packing groceries are disadvantaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the container with a universal opening that can accommodate various types of plastic bags, including both specially made waste bags and grocery shopping bags. This universal design allows users to recycle grocery bags by using them as liners in the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable apparatus for picking up and storing waste and, particularly animal waste, includes a container having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size, a bottom wall, and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and forming an open top end. An elongated member with a pointed lower edge is provided for securing the apparatus to a ground surface in a semi-permanent fashion. There is a pair of hooks for securing the handles of a grocery type bag positioned within an interior portion of the container. An optional liner storage member is attached to the exterior surface of the container. The invention also provides a device for picking up the animal waste which includes a cup-shaped member mounted at one end of an elongated member and a handle which is mounted at a distal end of the elongated member.