Compost Bin Torque Volume Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Composting devices face challenges in accurately determining the fill level of organic material due to variance in density, which affects weight-to-volume conversion, and require frequent calibration to prevent weight drift, limiting their effectiveness in continuous compost production and requiring large space.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a rotating reducing mechanism with a motor to determine the amount of organic material by monitoring torque and angular displacement, eliminating the need for load cells and enabling continuous composting without space constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple load cells are used to detect weight for volume estimation, then the fill level can be determined, but weight drift occurs and frequent calibration is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill level detection accuracyVSAvoidweight measurement stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical load cell system with a motor torque measurement system. Instead of using load cells to directly measure weight, the system uses a motor to rotate a reducing mechanism and measures the torque required for rotation. This substitution eliminates the weight drift and calibration issues inherent in load cell systems while maintaining the ability to determine fill level accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from static weight (measured by load cells) to dynamic torque (measured during motor rotation). By measuring the torque required to rotate the reducing mechanism at different angles, the system derives fill level information without relying on weight measurements that suffer from drift and require frequent calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a batch type composting device is used, then the composting cycle can be completed, but continuous compost production is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposting cycle completionVSAvoidcontinuous compost production

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous composting operations by implementing a system where the reducing mechanism continuously processes organic material. The motor-driven reducing mechanism operates continuously or in repeated cycles, maintaining the composting process without interruption. This allows for continuous compost production rather than discrete batch operations, improving productivity while maintaining composting quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional composting devices are designed, then the composting cycle can be implemented, but large floor space or volume is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposting cycle implementationVSAvoidfloor space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a compact design. The motor serves both to drive the reducing mechanism for material processing and to provide torque measurements for fill level detection. The reducing mechanism simultaneously performs mechanical reduction and enables measurement through its rotational characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device volume and floor space requirements while maintaining complete composting cycle capability.

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

Accurately determines the volume of organic material based on motor torque and angular displacement, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of composting processes while reducing the need for load cells and space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

monitoring a signal representative of a torque of the motor as it rotates the reducing mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS10611699B2Composting device

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A method of determining the volume of organic material in a composting device includes rotating a mixing paddle in a composting bin that stores the organic material; monitoring the torque from a motor that rotates the mixing paddle as the mixing paddle rotates; and determining the height of the organic material in the composting bin based on the motor torque and the angular displacement of the mixing paddle. The resulting height can be used to determine the volume of the organic material.