Wearable Animal Waste Collection Device with Rigid Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting animal waste, such as using plastic bags, are unsanitary and prone to spills, especially when pets defecate multiple times, requiring repeated use of the same bag and exposure to unsanitary conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a secure structure that includes a direct collection device with a rigid collection portion and handle, allowing for the collection and temporary storage of animal waste without touching it, using a system of securing means to accommodate a top cover for containment and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plastic bag is used to collect animal waste, then the collection process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the user is exposed to unsanitary conditions and the bag may tear causing spills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid collection device with a collection portion and handle as an intermediary tool between the user and animal waste. This device allows the user to collect waste without direct hand contact, reducing exposure to unsanitary conditions while maintaining operational simplicity. The collection device can be attached to the wearable structure, providing a stable platform for waste collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the collection function from the user's hand and separates it into a dedicated collection device. The collection portion is designed to receive and contain waste, while the handle portion provides a grip point that can be attached to the wearable structure. This separation allows the user to maintain distance from the waste while performing the collection task.
2Loss of substance
If the same plastic bag is reused multiple times, then the number of bags required is reduced, but the user must repeatedly expose their hand to unsanitary conditions to pick up additional waste
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable structure with attached collection device serves itself by providing a reusable collection mechanism that remains attached to the user. The collection device can be emptied and reused multiple times without requiring the user to repeatedly handle waste directly. The secure attachment mechanism ensures the device remains in position for continuous use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the collection device to be easily emptied and recovered for reuse. The collection portion can be detached or emptied into a separate container, allowing the same device to be used multiple times. This reduces plastic bag consumption while maintaining sanitary conditions through the use of a dedicated, reusable tool.
3Reliability
If a rigid collection device with secure attachment is used, then the collection process becomes more sanitary and spill-resistant, but the device complexity increases with multiple securing means and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection device with the wearable structure through secure attachment mechanisms. The collection portion and handle portion are integrated into a single unit that attaches to the wearable structure, merging the functions of waste collection and user support. This integration reduces the need for separate components while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable structure serves multiple functions: it provides support for the collection device, positions the collection tool for optimal use, and can potentially hold additional waste containment items. The secure attachment mechanism serves both to hold the collection device and to provide a stable platform for collection operations.
4Strength
If the collection device is made rigid to prevent deformation and spills, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies rigidity locally to the collection portion where it is needed to contain waste and prevent spills, while the handle portion can be made of lighter materials since it only needs to provide grip and attachment. This localized application of rigidity maintains structural integrity where critical while minimizing overall device weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable animal waste collection device comprising a wearable structure configured to be worn by a user, a first securing portion attached to the wearable structure, the first securing portion structured to removably accommodate a top cover portion, and a second securing portion attached to the wearable structure, the second securing portion structured to removably accommodate a direct collection device, wherein the direct collection device directly collects an animal waste before the animal waste reaches a ground surface is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.