Household waste recycling module and appliance assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Households face challenges in efficiently storing and compacting recyclable waste, particularly packaging, cartons, and containers, due to their large volume-to-weight ratio, which requires effective compaction and separation for recycling purposes.
Innovation Solution
A compacting and storing module with a slidable receptacle and compacting plate driven by a linear ram or scissor jack mechanism, allowing for efficient compaction and storage of recyclable waste within a domestic appliance, featuring a cage-like container part and load-bearing members for stability and support during the compaction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If recyclable waste is stored without compaction, then storage capacity is reduced, but waste volume remains large requiring more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic compaction system where a movable compacting means is driven into the receptacle to compress waste materials. The drive means enables the compacting means to move between a compacting position (inside the receptacle) and a withdrawing position (outside the receptacle), dynamically reducing waste volume on demand rather than maintaining constant compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The compacting means is designed to be received within the receptacle during compaction operations, with the drive means positioned to drive the compacting means into the receptacle. The system nests the compacting mechanism within the storage structure, allowing the compacting means to be stored in or near the receptacle when not in use, maximizing space utilization.
2Productivity
If a compacting mechanism is added to the storage system, then waste compaction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive means serves multiple functions: it drives the compacting means into the receptacle for compaction, withdraws the compacting means after compaction, and can be integrated with the drawer assembly to provide both storage and compaction operations through a single actuating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the storage function (receptacle) and compaction function (compacting means with drive means) into a single integrated assembly. The compacting means is positioned to work within the same space as the receptacle, and the drive means is integrated with the drawer structure, merging multiple functions into one cohesive system rather than separate units.
3Productivity
If the compacting means is driven into the receptacle for compaction, then compaction effectiveness is improved, but the compacting means may become stuck or jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with a predetermined withdrawal action where the drive means automatically reverses and withdraws the compacting means from the receptacle after compaction is complete. This preliminary withdrawal action prevents the compacting means from remaining in the compressed waste material where it could become stuck, ensuring reliable operation through automatic reset.
4Ease of operation
If the receptacle is made accessible for waste deposition, then ease of operation is improved, but structural support during compaction becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a movable drawer assembly containing the receptacle and a fixed or separately mounted compacting assembly. This segmentation allows the receptacle to be easily accessible and movable for waste deposition, while the compaction function is provided by a separate structurally supported compacting means that can be driven into the receptacle only when needed, distributing structural requirements across different components.
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 module effectively reduces the volume of recyclable waste by a compaction ratio of 4:1 to 6:1, facilitating efficient storage and recycling by enabling easy handling and separation of compacted materials.
Implementation Method 1
A compacting and storing module with a slidable receptacle and compacting plate driven by a linear ram or scissor jack mechanism, allowing for efficient compaction and storage of recyclable waste
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention includes a packaging, carton and container compacting and storing module including a receptacle. The module also includes a drive assembly and a compacting assembly. The drive assembly is operably connected to the compacting assembly, and, during a compacting operation, the drive assembly drives the compacting assembly into the receptacle.