Under-Sink Composting Disposal Auger Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garbage disposals are inefficient in separating solid food waste from liquid, leading to strain on sewage systems, pose safety risks with rapidly spinning blades, and are difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
An under-sink garbage separating device with a low-speed auger assembly that separates food waste into a removable compost bin, featuring a drive gear motor assembly, automatic jam relief, and safety features to prevent user injury, allowing for easy cleaning and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapidly rotating blades are used to pulverize waste food products, then the waste is effectively ground up, but safety risks to users increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rapidly rotating blade system with an auger-based mechanical system. The auger slowly rotates to masticate and force food waste through a screen, eliminating the safety hazards of high-speed rotating blades while maintaining waste processing functionality through gradual mechanical breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from high-speed rotation to low-speed rotation with high torque. The auger rotates slowly at 80-100 RPM compared to the high speed of traditional blades, but generates sufficient mechanical force through torque to effectively process waste food products, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity.
2Ease of operation
If solid food particles are sent to the sewer system, then the disposal process is simple, but strain on sewage systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments food waste into two distinct pathways: liquid waste passes through a screen into the sewer system, while solid waste is separated and collected in a removable holding bin for composting. This segmentation allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while preventing solid particles from straining the sewage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts solid food particles from the waste stream using a screen mechanism. Solids are removed from the liquid waste flow and directed to a separate holding bin, leaving only liquid to enter the sewer system. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of solids on sewage systems while keeping the liquid disposal process simple.
3Productivity
If complex separation mechanisms are used to separate solids from liquids, then waste separation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, removable holding bin that can be easily taken out and emptied when full. This disposable-style approach to solid waste collection avoids the need for complex permanent separation mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective waste separation through the screen and auger system.
4Device complexity
If strainers require physical removal for dumping solids, then the structure is simple, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strainer/screen with a removable holding bin into a single integrated assembly. The solids collection bin can be easily removed from the device and emptied, combining the filtration function with convenient solids disposal. This integration maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation for solids removal.
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 separates solid waste for composting while minimizing strain on sewage systems, ensuring user safety, and simplifying maintenance by automatically reversing jammed items and shutting off after a set time, reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an auger member, a screened cup member... said auger driven by said drive gear motor assembly via said motor to auger member connecting shaft... causing liquid from said food waste to exit said liquid outlet tube and solid from said food waste to exit into said solids outlet tube
Data Source
AI summary
A composting garbage disposal for under sink use in a kitchen which separates food waste items into liquid and solid components. The liquid components are directed to a standard sewer or septic system. The solid components are directed to a removable storage bin. The food waste items are separated by use of a motor driven auger member which is in close proximity to the inside wall of a screened cup so that the liquid exits the screened portion of the cup and the solid exits through an aperture in the floor of the cup. A microprocessor circuit senses the strain on the drive motor and if the strain becomes excessive, automatically reverses the direction of the shaft and auger thereby releasing excess food waste that is causing the excess strain.