Food Waste Disposer Interlock Device with Magnetic Switch and Helical Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current batch feed food waste disposer interlock devices fail to adequately meet requirements for removability, safety, durability, and efficiency, as they are not capable of being used with various food waste disposers having magnetically activated switches, and do not effectively control the flow of water and waste.
Innovation Solution
A batch feed food waste disposer interlock device with a disk-shaped base, cylindrical collar, and magnetically activated switch, featuring a strainer basket and spindle with helical grooves, allowing for easy activation and deactivation of the disposer and control of fluid flow, which can be removably seated in a sink flange and used as a retrofit or in new installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If batch feed food waste disposer interlock devices are designed to be removable and mating with various disposers, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock device incorporates multiple magnets arranged in specific patterns that can interact with different types of magnetically activated switches found in various food waste disposers. This universal magnetic interface allows a single interlock device design to work across multiple disposer models and manufacturers, achieving adaptability without requiring multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock device is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the sink flange and disposer assembly. This segmentation allows the interlock device to be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced, simplifying the overall system while maintaining compatibility through standardized magnetic interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If the interlock device includes a basket strainer for debris collection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket strainer is integrated into the interlock device housing, combining the function of the interlock mechanism with the debris collection function. This merging eliminates the need for separate strainer components and simplifies the overall structure by consolidating multiple functions into a single removable unit that can be easily taken out for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket strainer is designed to be easily removable from the interlock device housing, allowing users to independently clean and maintain the debris collection component without disassembling the entire interlock mechanism. This self-service design enables simple maintenance while maintaining the integrated structure.
3Reliability
If the interlock device controls water and waste flow, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock device serves as an intermediary component positioned between the sink flange and the disposer inlet. It controls water and waste flow through its positioning and design features, acting as a mediator that regulates flow based on whether the disposer is properly installed and operational, without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control function is achieved through the magnetic interaction between the interlock device magnets and the magnetically activated switch, replacing what could have been a complex mechanical linkage system. The magnetic field acts as an intermediary to transmit the activation signal without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex moving parts.
4Ease of operation
If the interlock device is designed for easy removal and installation, then ease of operation is improved, but strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock device incorporates alignment features and guide structures that prepare the component for proper insertion before the final securing action. This preliminary alignment ensures that the magnets and mounting features are correctly positioned, allowing for strong connection during installation while maintaining ease of removal through the same features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection strength is concentrated at specific localized points where mounting features and magnets are positioned, rather than requiring uniform strength throughout the entire device. This allows the interlock device to maintain strong connections where needed while remaining easily removable through standardized interfaces.
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 device efficiently activates and deactivates the food waste disposer based on its position, controls fluid flow, and allows for easy cleaning, while being durable, lightweight, and safe to use, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
magnets in the covers that align with magnets in the units
Data Source
AI summary
An interlock device coupled to a magnetically activated switch when the interlock device is removably seated in a sink flange coupled to a food waste disposer, having: a base having interlock device magnets, a recessed seat having drain holes, a helical cam, a strainer basket adjoined to a rotatably mounted spindle having a handle adjoined thereto, opposing nubs, which travel within the helical cam, when the handle is twisted, a spindle mounted seal adapted to block flow through the interlock device, when the spindle mounted seal is releasably seated in the recessed seat, and allowing fluid to flow through the interlock device, when the spindle mounted seal is releasably unseated from the recessed seat; the interlock device activating the food waste disposer when the interlock device is removably seated in the sink flange and one of the interlock device magnets is adjacent a switch magnet of the magnetically activated switch.