Modular Compost Container With Integrated Loosening And Aeration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composting systems are complex and costly to set up and operate, with high infrastructure requirements and inefficiencies in the composting process, particularly in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A modular composting system with a transportable composting container equipped with essential functional elements like a loosening device, ventilation device, and control device, which can be easily assembled and expanded using additional channel containers, reducing the need for on-site infrastructure and minimizing production and transport costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large hall with numerous decomposition channels is constructed, then the composting capacity is increased, but the construction complexity and investment cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomposting capacityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The composting system is divided into multiple independent modular containers, each capable of operating autonomously. These containers can be arranged in series to form decomposition channels of varying lengths, allowing the system to be scaled by simply adding or removing modules rather than constructing complex large-scale facilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic configuration of decomposition channels by connecting containers in different arrangements. The channel length and capacity can be adjusted by varying the number and arrangement of containers, providing flexibility to adapt to different composting needs without fixed infrastructure constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a turning device is relocated between decomposition channels, then the composting process is maintained, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomposting process continuityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each modular container is equipped with its own integrated loosening and aeration devices, eliminating the need for a centralized turning device that must be relocated between channels. Each unit independently performs the necessary composting operations on its own contents, simplifying operation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If essential functional elements are integrated into the transportable composting container, then the system becomes more self-sufficient, but the container complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem self-sufficiencyVSAvoidcontainer complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular containers are designed with universal, multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. The loosening device can both aerate and mix the compost material, while the aeration system also serves to control moisture and temperature. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining system self-sufficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular system simplifies and cost-effectively enhances the composting process by allowing flexible expansion and operation with minimal site investments, improving the quality and efficiency of compost production while reducing operational complexities.

Implementation Method 1

The loosening device serves to loosen and/or move and/or shred the compost material, particularly along the composting line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical breakdown: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The oxygen required for the composting process is provided, preferably in the form of air, via the aeration device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Data Source

PatentEP3642174B1Transportable composting container, modular composting facility and composting method
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP3642174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3642174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transportable composting container for a modular composting facility, comprising a composting channel with a substantially horizontally oriented composting section from an inlet end to an outlet end, a breaking-up device which is arranged above the bottom of the composting container and can be moved along the composting section, an aeration device comprising a plurality of aeration openings for introducing gas, particularly air, into the compost material located in the composting container, and a control device designed to control the breaking-up device and the aeration device.