Flexible Filter Waste Bin for Slurry Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The disposal of waste slurry from industrial processes, particularly residual ready-mixed concrete, poses challenges as it often contaminates groundwater and clogs stormwater drains due to the mixing of particulate matter and contaminated liquid, requiring effective separation and handling solutions.

Innovation Solution

A slurry handling and disposal system featuring a waste bin with a flexible removable filter element that retains particulate matter and allows liquid to be collected separately, equipped with lifting fixtures, a mesh basket-like filter support structure, and liquid discharge means for efficient separation and transport of waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If waste slurry is discharged directly to construction site or drains, then disposal is simple and quick, but it causes environmental contamination and drain blockage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste disposal speedVSAvoidenvironmental contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The waste slurry is segmented into two distinct components: particulate matter retained on the filter element and liquid that passes through to the base portion. This separation allows each component to be disposed of appropriately - particulate matter in the filter bag and liquid through the discharge port - eliminating environmental harm while maintaining efficient disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element acts as an intermediary between the waste slurry and the environment. It selectively allows liquid to pass through while retaining particulate matter, preventing direct discharge of contaminated material into the environment and enabling compliant waste disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If filter element is made permanent, then separation efficiency is maintained, but removal and replacement of filter becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidfilter replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element transitions from a fixed permanent state to a dynamic removable state. The retaining mechanism allows the filter to be securely held during operation for reliable separation, then easily removed when needed for replacement, combining the benefits of both permanent and temporary filter systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is designed to be discarded after use and replaced with a fresh one. The removable design facilitates easy disposal of saturated filters and installation of new filters, maintaining separation efficiency without the complexity of cleaning and maintaining permanent filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If filter support structure is complex, then filter retention is secure, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter retention securityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into simple modular components: a base portion and upright portions forming a basket-like framework. This segmented design provides secure filter retention through multiple contact points while keeping each individual component simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element itself acts as a flexible membrane that conforms to the basket-like support structure. This flexible filter adapts to the simple geometric framework, allowing secure retention without requiring complex rigid support mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 separates particulate matter from liquid, preventing contamination and allowing for safe disposal of the liquid component, reducing environmental impact and compliance with regulations by facilitating the separation and handling of waste slurry.

Implementation Method 1

said filter element supported above a floor of said waste bin; the particulate matter component of a volume of said waste slurry and particulates deposited in said filter element substantially retained in said filter element; the liquid component of said waste slurry and particulates collected in a base portion of said waste bin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8821725B2Waste bin
Publication Date: 2014.09.02 WESTON OWEN CHARLES
  • US8821725B2 patent drawing
  • US8821725B2 patent drawing
  • US8821725B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A slurry handling and disposal system is provided for waste slurry and particulates. The system includes a waste bin provided with support structures for retaining a flexible removable filter element with a filter element supported above a floor of the waste bin. The particulate matter component of a volume of the waste slurry and particulates deposited in the filter element is retained in said filter element while the liquid component of the waste slurry and particulates are collected in a base portion of the waste bin.