Bin Washing System Solid-Liquid Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Trash receptacles are not typically cleaned inside during collection, leading to organic matter decomposition and foul odors, posing health hazards and unpleasant conditions.

Innovation Solution

A bin washing system comprising a first and second solid-liquid separating device, a pump, and an inlet structure, which recycles cleaning water by separating solids from wastewater, reducing pump damage and extending its service life, and includes a mobile configuration for ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pump is used to pump cleaning water through the solid-liquid separating device, then the cleaning process is effective, but the pump is damaged by particulates in the water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump service lifeVSAvoidparticulate damage to pump
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by placing the solid-liquid separating device in the water path before the pump. This separator removes particulates from the water in advance, so that when the pump operates, it receives only clean water without damage-causing particles. The separator is positioned to intercept and remove solids before they can reach and damage the pump mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the pump receives water with particulates, then the cleaning process can proceed, but the pump suffers damage reducing its service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning operation continuityVSAvoidpump service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a solid-liquid separating device as a mediator between the water source and the pump. This separator acts as a protective intermediary that allows water with particulates to reach the pump while preventing the particulates from causing damage. The separator mediates the interaction between contaminated water and the pump, enabling continuous operation without direct exposure of the pump to harmful particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the bin washing system is made mobile, then ease of use is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility for convenienceVSAvoidmobile system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the bin washing system with multi-functional capabilities that can be deployed in various locations. The mobile configuration allows the same core system to serve multiple purposes: washing bins in different locations, adapting to various bin types, and being transported easily. This multi-functionality justifies the mobile design despite increased complexity, as the system can be used anywhere without requiring permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively cleans the inside of trash bins, reduces odors, and minimizes health hazards by recycling water and extending pump lifespan, while being mobile for convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a first solid-liquid separating device configured to receive a first solid-liquid suspension having first solids and second solids, separate the first solids from the second solids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational separation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a second solid-liquid separating device configured to receive the second solid-liquid suspension, capture the second solids, and dispatch cleaned water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a pump configured to pump cleaning water to the first solid-liquid separating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8997763B2Bin washing system
Publication Date: 2015.04.07 STELLAR IND INC
  • US8997763B2 patent drawing
  • US8997763B2 patent drawing
  • US8997763B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an example of bin washing system. The bin washing system may include a first solid-liquid separating device, a second solid-liquid separating device, a pump, and an inlet structure. The first solid-liquid separating device may be configured to receive a first solid-liquid suspension having first solids and second solids, separate the first solids from the second solids, and dispatch a second solid-liquid suspension having the second solids. The second solid-liquid separating device may be configured to receive the second solid-liquid suspension, capture the second solids, and dispatch cleaned water. The pump may be configured to pump cleaning water to the first solid-liquid separating device. The inlet structure may be configured to receive waste water that includes the first and second solids. The bin washing system may be configured to combine the cleaning water pumped by the pump with the waste water to form the first solid-liquid suspension.