Chewing Gum Disposal Device with Flexible Non-Stick Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The improper disposal of used chewing gum in public places is a significant issue due to insufficient disposal options and the non-biodegradable nature of commercial gum, leading to unsightly and unhygienic conditions, with existing devices failing to effectively store gum in a hygienic and aesthetic manner.
Innovation Solution
A compact, vertically aligned chewing gum disposal device with a flexible layer covering its front side, featuring openings that allow gum to be gravity-driven into a collection container, preventing adhesion and maintaining hygiene by isolating the gum from the environment until final disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chewing gum is disposed of openly on surfaces or ground, then disposal is simple and requires no infrastructure, but it creates unsightly and unhygienic conditions with visible gum sticking to surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible non-stick layer as an intermediary between the chewing gum and the device body. This layer prevents direct adhesion of gum to the device structure, allowing easy removal and cleaning while maintaining the device's aesthetic appearance and hygiene standards throughout its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible layer is designed to be replaceable, allowing it to be discarded after gum accumulation and replaced with a fresh layer. This recovering approach maintains the device's functionality and appearance without requiring complex cleaning mechanisms or permanent anti-stick coatings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional waste bins are used for chewing gum disposal, then disposal options are available, but they are large, inconspicuous, and often ignored by users
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is nested within the device body, with the flexible layer forming an inner containment structure. This nested design allows the device to maintain a compact, inconspicuous exterior while providing sufficient internal volume for gum collection, making it suitable for high-visibility locations without appearing bulky.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible non-stick layer acts as a thin film containment structure that can conform to the device interior shape. This allows maximum collection capacity within a compact form factor while enabling easy removal and replacement of the layer for cleaning purposes.
3Reliability
If the collection container is made visible to show gum storage, then users can see it is functional, but it becomes unsightly and unhygienic as gum accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible layer creates a concealed storage environment within the device body. Gum accumulates behind this flexible barrier, keeping it out of public view while maintaining device functionality. The layer can be replaced periodically to maintain hygiene without requiring visible access to the collection area.
4Strength
If the device structure is made rigid and permanent, then it is durable and stable, but chewing gum sticks to it and becomes difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a permanent rigid body structure and a replaceable flexible lining. The rigid body provides structural integrity and durability, while the flexible layer handles the adhesion and cleaning requirements, allowing separate optimization of each component's properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible non-stick layer serves as an intermediary between the rigid device structure and the chewing gum. It prevents gum adhesion to the permanent structure, making cleaning simple matter of layer replacement rather than structure scrubbing.
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 enhances aesthetics and hygiene by keeping used gum out of sight, reducing microbial growth and vermin attraction, thereby increasing user acceptance and utilization rates while minimizing the risk of gum sticking to the device.
Implementation Method 1
the front (12) has an opening (10) which is at least partially covered by the layer (14), through which used chewing gum can be introduced into the interior of the body (11)
Implementation Method 2
where it is gravity-driven further down into the (collecting) container (13) fall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Device for disposing of used chewing gum, comprising a body (11) with a front (12) prepared for receiving used chewing gum, and a container (13) for collecting and temporarily storing the used chewing gum, which is arranged below the body or integrated into it on its underside or in its lower region, wherein the front (12) is provided with a flexible layer (14), wherein the front has an opening (10) which is at least partially covered by the layer (14) and through which chewing gum can be introduced into the interior of the body, and the container (13) has an opening (16) on its upper side, which is designed and arranged such that a piece of chewing gum pushed through the opening (10) of the front (12) passes through the interior of the body (11) due to gravity, passes through the opening (16) and falls into the container (13).