Chute Outlet Sealing Surface Adapting to Bin Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste chutes are expensive to manufacture and install, require multiple configurations for different bin sizes and shapes, and are not user-friendly due to blockages and odor issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular chute system with a sealing surface comprising resilient members, such as bristles, that can adapt to different bin sizes and shapes, including a venturi vent for odor control, and sensors for automatic door operation and bin level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chute configurations are provided for different bin sizes and shapes, then adaptability to various bin types is improved, but manufacturing and warehousing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chute outlet is designed with a resilient sealing surface that can adapt to seal with different bin opening configurations. This universal design allows a single chute type to work with multiple bin sizes and shapes, eliminating the need to manufacture and warehouse multiple chute configurations while maintaining adaptability to various bin types
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional chute designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user-friendliness deteriorates due to blockages and odor escape
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surface at the chute outlet incorporates resilient members (such as bristles or flexible material) that can flex and adapt to different bin opening configurations. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents blockages and odor escape while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the resilient members are integrated into the outlet structure rather than requiring complex assembly
3Device complexity
If traditional chute designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to improper sealing and odor escape
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet structure incorporates resilient members that can change their physical state or position to accommodate different bin configurations. These resilient members (such as spring-loaded bristles or flexible seals) dynamically adjust to maintain proper sealing contact, improving reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity
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
The system reduces manufacturing costs, adapts to various bin configurations, prevents blockages and odor escape, and ensures user-friendly operation by automatically locking the door when the bin is full.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing surface comprises one or more resilient members, configured to engage with receptacle
Implementation Method 2
A modular chute system with a sealing surface comprising resilient members, such as bristles, that can adapt to different bin sizes and shapes, including a venturi vent for odor control
Implementation Method 3
the item travels in the chute by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A chute system for a building including: an inlet, through which an item is received; a chute, coupled to the inlet, and an outlet, coupled to the chute. The outlet includes a sealing surface, configured to form a seal with an opening of a receptacle into which the item is to be received. The sealing surface is configured to enable a seal to be formed with different receptacles having different sized or shaped openings.