Movable Waste Receptacle Coupling for Low-Loss Vacuum Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection and transportation systems, such as brooms and dustpans, and vacuum cleaners, are inefficient and cumbersome, particularly on uneven surfaces, and central vacuum systems are expensive and difficult to retrofit, leading to inefficiencies and aesthetic issues in industrial, commercial, and residential settings.
Innovation Solution
A waste disposal system connected to a vacuum system through a movable receptacle and attachment mechanism, allowing for efficient fluid communication and easy access to waste collection, reducing the need for extensive tubing and maintaining high suction power while being cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a broom and dustpan are used to collect and transport waste, then waste can be collected from floors, but the process requires manual dexterity and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of broom and dustpan with an automated vacuum system that uses airflow and suction to collect and transport waste automatically, eliminating the need for manual sweeping and dustpan handling
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system performs waste collection and transport automatically without requiring manual intervention for each step, with the system self-managing the suction, transport, and deposition of waste materials
2Ease of operation
If traditional vacuum cleaners are used to collect and transport waste, then waste collection is automated, but the systems are cumbersome and ineffective on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into separate functional modules including a stationary vacuum unit, movable receptacle, and attachment mechanism, allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function and terrain requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a movable receptacle that can be positioned and adjusted dynamically to adapt to uneven surfaces and different working conditions, rather than requiring the entire vacuum system to be moved or adjusted
3Productivity
If central vacuum systems are installed, then waste collection is efficient and automated, but the systems are expensive and difficult to retrofit
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a stationary vacuum unit and a separate movable receptacle system, allowing the expensive vacuum mechanism to remain fixed while the flexible receptacle handles various collection needs, reducing overall system cost and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The movable receptacle serves multiple functions including waste collection, transport, and storage, and can be used with different attachment mechanisms for various types of waste, replacing the need for multiple specialized systems
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive tubing is used in vacuum systems, then waste can be transported over distances, but suction power is reduced and blockages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The movable receptacle acts as an intermediary between the waste source and the vacuum system, allowing waste to be collected and held locally before being transported, thereby reducing the length and complexity of the tubing required while maintaining suction efficiency
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 provides efficient waste collection and transportation with reduced suction loss and blockages, is less expensive than central vacuum systems, and maintains a clean environment without the drawbacks of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a waste disposal bay connected to a vacuum system through an attachment mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the discontinuity being bridged by a seal configured to maintain fluid communication between the waste disposal bay and the vacuum system
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the system for transporting and collecting waste includes a movable receptacle configured to translocate from a first position to a second position and back again, and a vacuum system associated with the movable receptacle. The vacuum system includes a motor for generating suction and a power source connector associated with the motor. The power source connector is associated with the power source and transmits power to the motor when the movable receptacle is in the first position, and the power source connector dissociates with the power source, thereby interrupting power to the motor, when the movable receptacle moves away from the first position. The power source connector includes a connection terminus and a semi-flexible stem that flexes to allow a proper alignment between the connection terminus and the power source when the movable receptacle translocates from the second position to the first position.