Donation Receptacle with Perforated Refuse Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Donation receptacles in public locations are prone to theft and vandalism due to their accessibility, and conventional receptacles are not designed to handle liquid refuse or non-donation items effectively.
Innovation Solution
A donation receptacle with a collection inlet, proceeds bin, and perforated sections that separates monetary donations from liquid refuse, assembled into a wall cavity with a donation path and accessible via a rear opening, featuring a diverter and perforated components to guide donations while draining liquid refuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If donation receptacles are placed in easy to access locations, then donation convenience is improved, but security against theft and tampering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into separate functional zones: a secure enclosed body for storing donations, a separate liquid refuse collection area, and a controlled access mechanism. This segmentation allows the donation collection function to remain accessible while the security function is protected through separate access controls for different compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
A door assembly with locking mechanism serves as an intermediary between the external environment and the donation storage area. This intermediary provides controlled access, allowing donations to be deposited conveniently while preventing unauthorized removal or tampering with the collected funds.
2Device complexity
If conventional receptacles are used in public locations, then donation collection is simple, but they cannot handle liquid refuse effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle interior is segmented into distinct compartments: one for monetary donations and another for liquid refuse. The perforated divider creates separate collection zones within a single receptacle structure, enabling the system to handle both donation items and liquid refuse without requiring multiple separate containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: collecting monetary donations, capturing liquid refuse through the perforated section, and providing secure storage. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate receptacles.
3Reliability
If donation receptacles are placed in secure locations, then security is improved, but donation accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle utilizes the wall cavity space (a third dimension) to house secure storage areas that are not easily accessible from the front. The door assembly provides access from the rear or side, creating a multi-dimensional access strategy where the front remains open for convenient donation deposition while the rear provides secure retrieval access.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional receptacles are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they do not prevent contamination of donations
Solution Approach 1:
The interior is divided by a perforated section that creates physical separation between the donation collection area and the liquid refuse area. This segmentation prevents liquid refuse from contaminating monetary donations while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid refuse collection function is extracted as a separate component (the perforated section and associated drainage features) from the main donation storage area. This extraction allows liquid refuse to be removed and disposed of separately, preventing it from mixing with or contaminating the donated items.
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 solution provides a secure and efficient method for collecting donations while automatically separating and disposing of liquid refuse, reducing tampering risks and maintaining cleanliness, allowing for easy retrieval and management of donations.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one perforated section is positioned along the donation path and is configured to separate the monetary donations from undesired liquid refuse also received via the collection inlet
Implementation Method 2
A donation path is at least partially defined between the collection inlet and the proceeds bin such that the monetary donations received via the collection inlet move along the donation path to the proceeds bin
Data Source
AI summary
A method of promoting customer donations at a place of business includes providing a donation receptacle including a collection inlet, a proceeds bin, and at least one perforated section. The collection inlet is configured to receive monetary donations. The proceeds bin is configured to store the monetary donations received via the collection inlet. A donation path is at least partially defined between the collection inlet and the proceeds bin such that the monetary donations received via the collection inlet move along the donation path to the proceeds bin. The at least one perforated section is positioned along the donation path and is configured to separate the monetary donations from undesired refuse also received via the collection inlet. The donation receptacle is assembled to a cavity formed in a wall structure at the place of business.