Automated Ashtray with Conveyor Separator for Waste Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ashtray devices are ineffective in providing a hygienic and automated method for separating cigarette and cigar butts from ash, leading to environmental and health issues due to the persistence and hazardous nature of cigarette waste, and existing solutions are either unhygienic or require manual operation.
Innovation Solution
An ashtray device with a conveyor belt and fixed separator mechanism that automatically separates ash from butts, featuring a self-cleaning design and optional additional containers for different waste types, including an atomizing system for odor control and a dispenser for chewing gum and sweets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual separation of ash and butts is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and hygiene are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ashtray device is divided into distinct functional zones: a conveyor belt for transport, a fixed separator element for classification, and separate collection containers for ash and butts. This segmentation enables automated separation while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixed separator element acts as an intermediary component between the conveyor belt and collection containers. This separator automatically directs ash and butts to appropriate containers based on their physical properties, enabling automated separation without complex control systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ashtrays without separation are used, then device complexity is minimized, but harmful factors to environment and health increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is segmented into separate containers for ash and butts, enabling differentiated waste management. This segmentation reduces environmental harm by allowing appropriate disposal methods for each waste type while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables selective discarding of different waste types into appropriate containers. By separating ash (mineral residue) from butts (organic material with filter), the system facilitates proper disposal and potential recovery or recycling of materials, reducing overall environmental impact.
3Productivity
If automated conveyor belt system is implemented, then productivity and hygiene are improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when waste needs to be transferred. This periodic operation maintains productivity and hygiene benefits while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural weight and movement of waste on the conveyor belt to facilitate separation and transfer. The fixed separator element passively directs waste based on its properties, reducing the need for additional active components and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An ashtray device (1) for collecting cigarette or cigar ash and butts, the device comprising a separation mechanism (2) for separating the ash from the butts, and at least two containers (10, 11), wherein a first container (10) is positioned so as to receive the butts and a second container (11) is positioned so as to receive the ash.