Window-Mounted Pet Litter Housing with Internal Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pet litter housings face issues such as odor management, limited access for cleaning and installation, and inadequate protection from the elements, particularly in high-rise buildings and small dwellings.

Innovation Solution

A window-mounted pet litter housing made of high-density plastic with a sealed acrylic rear window, featuring a sliding panel design for easy access and ventilation that prevents rain and insects, and a secure mounting system for installation from inside the dwelling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the litter box is placed on the floor in a conventional location, then it is easily accessible for pets, but odor control becomes difficult and the homeowner has limited options for placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepet accessibilityVSAvoidodor

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the litter box from the conventional floor level to a vertical window-mounted position, utilizing the vertical dimension and window space. This dimensional change allows the litter box to be placed in an otherwise unused space (window area) while maintaining pet accessibility through the window opening, thereby solving both odor containment and accessibility issues simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the litter box from the interior living space and relocates it to a window-mounted position where it can be accessed from the outside. This separation allows the litter function to be performed in a dedicated space that is easily accessible to pets through the window, while the main living areas remain free from odor issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a window-mounted litter box is installed from the outside, then odor can be contained better, but installation becomes impossible in high-rise buildings unless on the ground floor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor containmentVSAvoidinstallation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of installing the litter box from the outside of the building (conventional approach), the patent inverts the installation approach by mounting the litter box from the inside of the dwelling through the window. This allows residents of high-rise buildings to easily install and access the litter box without needing external access, while still achieving odor containment through the window-mounted design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If the housing is constructed with acrylic and metal materials, then structural strength is improved, but the interior becomes excessively hot in summer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinterior temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the housing structure. The exterior can use durable materials like acrylic and metal for structural strength, while the interior incorporates heat-reflective or heat-insulating surfaces to prevent excessive heat buildup. This local differentiation of material properties allows the housing to maintain strength while protecting pets from overheating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Use of energy by moving object

If open holes are provided for ventilation, then air circulation is improved, but rain and cold air can enter the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair circulationVSAvoidprotection from elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible or movable covers, flaps, or screens over the ventilation openings. These flexible elements allow air to pass through while automatically closing or blocking when rain or extreme cold is detected, providing dynamic protection from the elements while maintaining ventilation during appropriate conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary elements such as screens, grilles, or weather-resistant covers over the ventilation holes. These intermediaries allow air circulation to occur while filtering out rain, insects, and excessive cold air, thus maintaining ventilation functionality while protecting against harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11330794B2Window mounted pet litter housing and pet shelter device

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 MARTINEZ ALDEN

AI summary

A window-mounted pet litter housing is described. The housing is equipped with at least one door, a front opening, a transparent rear panel, a ceiling, a floor, and at least one window anchor mount. The front opening facilitates access to the housing by the pet. The interior of the housing provides adequate space for the pet litter box, as well as space for the pet to lie down and peer through the transparent rear panel. Vented louvers are disposed in the left wall and right wall which provide ventilation while preventing rain and snow from entering the housing. A mounting plate present in the preferred embodiment expedites and facilitates secure installation of the housing from inside the structure equipped with the window.