Preliminary Idea Evaluation
Market Survey
Based off of this user research, the following top five ideas were selected:
- Convertible Diaper Pail — 9.3 usefulness rating
- Energy Pail — 7.6 usefulness rating
- Drawstring Pail — 7.3 usefulness rating
- Easy Toss Pail — 7.4 usefulness rating
- Spring Loaded Pail — 7.2 usefulness rating
Bench Marking
For the purpose of bench marking, I separated each of the 5 ideas into 2x2 charts based on the problem they aimed to solve.
- Easy Toss Pail: Intended to increase the ease of disposal
- Drawstring Pail: Intended to increase the ease of emptying the pail
- Spring Loaded Pail: Intended to increase the ease of emptying the pail
- Convertible Pail: Intended to increase multipurpose usability.
- Energy Pail: Intended to increase multipurpose usability.
Based off of these goals, I created three 2x2 charts for each category — easier emptying, easier disposal, and multipurpose use.
Increasing the Ease of Emptying
Increasing the Ease of Disposal
Increasing Multipurpose Usability
Patent Search
Spring Loaded Pail — Patent US6379099B1
Based on my research, there does not appear to be an existing product that uses springs to aid in trash disposal. However, patent US6379099B1 protects a different lift assistant mechanism. This mechanism has a base which the trash rests on. This aspect is similar to the idea I generated. The base, along with its connecting rotating bar, can be manually operated to assist in the lifting and tilting of the trash. The image above illustrates the mechanism associated with this patent.
Energy Pail — Patent US4624417A
The most relevant patent to the energy pail idea is patent US4624417A. This patent protects the process of converting waste and sewage sludge into energy. More specifically, the protect process entails processing the waste through pulping methods. A dewatered chemical substrate is created as a byproduct and is converted to “carbon fuel product, combusted to steam, or landfilled to produce methane gas.” The image above was included in the patent claim and indicates the general process used for the conversion of waste to energy.
Drawstring Pail — Patent US9027779B2
While it was difficult to find an existing patent that directly related to this product, patent US9027779B2 is the most relevant one found. This patent addresses the front access aspect of this idea. Protects “a front-opening door hingedly coupled to at least one of the left shell or the right shell.” Furthermore, the patent also protects the idea of coupling the foot pedal and the latch of the front opening door. It states, “ wherein the foot-operated lid opening/stabilizing system comprises a latch coupled to the pedal.” The image above is the proposed product.
Easy Toss Pail — Patent US9994392B1
Patent US9994392B1 protects the idea of a bag cinch mechanism which keeps the bag closed when the diaper is disposed of and only opens the bag once the lid closes. This is very similar to the easy toss idea I had.
Convertible Pail — Patent US20070246465A1
A concerning patent for the convertible pail is patent US20070246465A1. This patent protects a removable ring system used by this diaper pail design. The mechanism uses two lids. While one lid acts as a cover for the pail, the other is a ring that cinches the bag to control odors. The patent states, “wherein said second lid is removable from said container.”
Concerns
With every idea, there are bound to be some concerns and/or unknowns. Based on the top 5 ideas, I have listed out some of the concerns and unknowns I currently have.
Spring Loaded Pail
- The spring needs to be flexible enough not need an excessive amount of weight to compress. However, it also needs to be rigid enough to provide significant resistance and aid in lifting the trash out of the bin.
- Overtime, will the effectiveness of this mechanism be significantly inhibited due to regular compression of the spring?
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Energy Pail
- Currently, there is very limited research in this area. It is a relatively new technology, and it is only occurring on a rather large scale. Significant research and development would need to be done if this is going to be a reality. I am under the impression that it is indeed possible. However, in order to execute the idea, a large, and possibly impractical, amount of funding would be necessary.
Drawstring Pail
- Because I do not want to require proprietary bags for any of my product, I need to find a way to utilize the drawstring mechanism using typical trash bags. Since the typical trash bag uses a drawstring-like mechanism, I am confident it is doable. I have to do more research into the most efficient way to do so while also utilizing a method to maintain the odors.
- With the swinging door mechanism, I am concerned about the durability of the base. It needs to be thin enough to be rather lightweight and not compromise the space of the container. However, it also needs to be durable enough to withstand the weight of a heavy trash load.
Easy Toss Pail
- I am concerned as to whether or not the aperture or double door mechanism will be significant enough to maintain the smells of the diaper pail. Based on review of other products, there appears to be an issue with plastic absorbing and emanating odors. Therefore, I am thinking this aspect of the pail will have to use some type of metal. With this in mind, the metal has to be durable, but also thin enough to be movable, light weight, and space efficient.
Convertible Pail
- While I have an idea as to how it would work, I have not fully thought through how the bag cinch will be removable yet remain sturdy when needed.
Pugh Chart
Based on the Pugh chart above, I rated the five ideas (1 being the highest):
- Convertible Pail
- Drawstring Pail
- Easy Toss Pail
- Spring Loaded Pail
- Energy Pail
For my final product, I am choosing to combine the top three ideas, because they each alleviate a different stressor — multipurpose functionality, ease of disposal, and ease of emptying.
Sketch Model and Feedback
The User
Birgitte is a 20 year old student who has a 1 year old nephew. Because she babysits for her sister often, Birgitte has a strong background changing diapers and using a diaper pail.
The Model
The prototype model uses cardboard, duct tape, masking tape, copper wire, wooden kabob sticks. The frame is cylindrical with a rectangular protrusion in the back and a foot pedal in the front. The lid opens from the top to dispose of the diaper. The front opens to reveal a cinched bag and the door swings out with a platform for the trash bag to rest in. The strings of the trash bag hang out of the sides to allow for the bag to be cinched while it is inside of the bin. The sliding cardboard which cinches the bag simulates the automated aperture opening.
User Testing Process
The following images illustrate the process of using the diaper pail.
- The user steps on the foot pedal
- The top of the pail opens
- The user disposes of the diaper
- The automated cinch opens, and the diaper falls into the bag. The cinch closes again
- When emptying the bag, the bag is pulled closed from the the outside
- The user swings open the door
- The bag is sitting on the platform in the door, and the user pulls out the bag.
After testing the product, Birgitte made the following comments:
- The idea is very interesting and creative.
- I like how the bag swings out with the door, but I am confused as to how the bag will easily be undone from the main part of the pail.
- I like the idea of having a foot pedal. My sister’s diaper pail doesn’t have a foot pedal, and I wish it did.
- I think there could be a better way for the bag to be held in place. Maybe you could find a way to have it help up within the door.
- It’s a nice size.
- I like how you can use any trash bin while not compromising on features.
