Repurposable Biodegradable Wax Containers Through Melt-Cure Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compostable and biodegradable products do not effectively address waste reduction and pollution by lacking the ability to be repurposed, leading to increased waste and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing candle wax as a biodegradable material to create containers that can be repurposed into candles, involving a process of melting, molding, and curing to form a container that can be reused for a different purpose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If compostable products are used, then environmental pollution is reduced, but the products cannot be repurposed and still end up in landfills after decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to serve multiple functions: first as a food storage container, then as a candle holder, and finally as compostable material. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling repurposing while maintaining environmental benefits through eventual composting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a process where the container is recovered after its first use, repurposed into a candle holder, and only then discarded for composting. This recovery and repurposing process eliminates the contradiction by extending the product lifecycle before final compostable disposal.
2Loss of substance
If biodegradable products are used, then waste is reduced, but the products lack the ability to be reused or repurposed
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is designed to function both as a food storage vessel and as a candle holder, enabling reuse before biodegradation. This resolves the contradiction by providing reusability while maintaining the biodegradable nature of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The container undergoes a transformation from a food storage container to a candle holder through the addition of a wick and candle material. This dynamic adaptation enables reuse in a different function while preserving the biodegradable property for eventual waste reduction.
3Quantity of substance
If recyclable products are used, then resources are conserved, but the recycling process requires large amounts of energy and creates pollution
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of recycling the container through energy-intensive industrial processes, the patent adopts a disposable approach where the container is repurposed once as a candle holder and then composted. This avoids the harmful pollution associated with recycling while still conserving resources through repurposing.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is recovered and repurposed as a candle holder, extending its useful life without requiring energy-intensive recycling processes. After this single repurposing cycle, the container is composted, avoiding the pollution associated with traditional recycling while maintaining resource conservation benefits.
4Reliability
If products are designed for single-use composting, then decomposition is guaranteed, but the products cannot be repurposed before decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to reliably decompose after its dual function as a food container and candle holder. The biodegradable material ensures decomposition is guaranteed, while the design accommodates repurposing as a candle holder before final disposal, resolving the contradiction between reliability of decomposition and repurposing capability.
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
Reduces waste and pollution by enabling the repurposing of containers, conserving resources and energy, and minimizing environmental impact through biodegradability and reusability.
Implementation Method 1
The candle wax can be heated and melted down to a liquid form
Implementation Method 2
The candle wax in the mold can revert to a solid state and the candle wax can take the shape of the mold
Implementation Method 3
Biodegradable products and packaging are another alternative to plastic. Products made from plant materials and non-synthetic materials are biodegradable and generally decompose within a few weeks or months
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for creating and repurposing a container. The system can include a mold comprising a core, a cover and a ring. The cover can comprise a raised surface at a first end and a hole at a second end. The ring can have an annular shape defining an opening and can be configured to surround the core. The ring can further comprise a groove configured to receive the raised surface. The method for creating the container can comprise assembling a mold, heating a mixture comprising at least candle wax to form the material, inserting the material into the mold, waiting for the material to cure, decoupling the cover from the mold and removing the container from the mold. The method for repurposing the container can comprise melting the container into a liquid, transferring the liquid into a vessel and waiting for the liquid to cure.