Direct-Inject Disposal System with Ozonated Water Sanitization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-sink disposal systems often produce unwanted odors and waste buildup due to debris accumulation, requiring manual activation of faucets for cleaning and sanitizing.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning disposal system utilizing direct injection of ozonated water through a modular flange attachment with nozzles, allowing for automated operation and sanitization without manual faucet activation, combined with a smart sensor and manifold system for automated cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual faucet activation is used for cleaning and sanitizing the disposal chamber, then the system can be operated with simple components, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically activating the faucet and running water through the disposal chamber before, during, and after the grinding cycle. This eliminates the need for manual faucet activation by users, as the system pre-configures and executes the water flow sequence automatically based on the disposal operation timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposal system provides self-service by incorporating an automated control mechanism that manages the entire cleaning and sanitizing process without human intervention. The system activates itself to run water through the chamber, operate the cutting mechanism, and flush the waste, making the system self-sufficient for its operational and maintenance needs.
2Productivity
If the faucet is run simultaneously to guide waste into the drainpipe and keep the chamber clear, then the waste can be effectively removed, but the loss of time increases due to requiring coordinated manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through automated sensors and control systems that monitor the disposal chamber status, waste accumulation, and operational cycle. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust water flow timing and duration to optimize waste removal efficiency while minimizing the time required for each disposal cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by running water through the disposal chamber continuously during the grinding operation and immediately afterward for flushing. This continuous water flow ensures uninterrupted waste guidance and chamber clearing, eliminating idle time between operations and maintaining constant productive action.
3Reliability
If water is used to guide waste into the drainpipe and flush the chamber, then the chamber can be kept clear, but the loss of substance increases due to water consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by delivering water flow only to the specific areas and durations necessary for effective waste guidance and chamber flushing. Rather than continuous excessive water flow, the system provides targeted water application during critical phases of the disposal cycle, achieving reliable waste removal with optimized water consumption.
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 effectively reduces odor and waste buildup by sanitizing the disposal chamber, eliminating the need for manual faucet operation and enabling automated waste disposal, thus simplifying usage and maintaining hygiene in commercial kitchen environments.
Implementation Method 1
water from the water line optionally passes through the ozone generator to produce ozonated water that enters into the disposal system via the flange attachment
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of nozzles, e.g., in the form of baffles, directly injects the ozonated water into chamber as a plurality of differently-oriented streams, so as to clean and sanitize substantially the entirety of the chamber in order to reduce unwanted odor and waste buildup
Data Source
AI summary
A disposal system utilizing a direct injection of water for an amount of time to sufficiently sanitize a chamber of the disposal system. The disposal system includes a chamber coupled to a drain of a sink at a first end of the chamber, and to a drainpipe at a second end of the chamber. A cutting mechanism, such as a rotary cutting blade, is positioned within the chamber near a floor of the chamber. A fluid-injection unit, such as a flange attachment, coupled to the first end of the chamber and the drain of the sink, includes a plurality of nozzles for introducing a fluid in a variety of streams in different directions to reach substantially an entirety of the chamber. The flange attachment can also include a water line attachment for connecting to a water line, with an optional ozone generator upstream from the disposal system.