Nested Stack Receptacle for Waste Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing waste volume from disposable containers, such as beverage cups, are either cumbersome or expensive, and separating biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable waste is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongate tubular receptacle with an open end for receiving and storing nested articles, and a pivotally attachable mechanism for suspending it from a waste container, allowing easy stacking and separation of waste for efficient disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If manual stacking of waste containers is used to reduce waste volume, then waste volume is reduced, but labor time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is segmented into separate compartments: a main waste container and a separate nested stack receptacle. This segmentation allows automatic stacking of nestable articles in the receptacle while the main container holds other waste, eliminating manual sorting and stacking time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements nesting by providing a receptacle specifically designed to receive and stack nestable articles (cups, containers) in a nested arrangement. The receptacle itself can be nested within or attached to the main waste container, creating a compact hierarchical structure that automatically compacts waste without manual intervention.
2Volume of stationary object
If garbage crushers are used to reduce waste volume, then waste volume is reduced, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive passive structures (guides, receptacles) instead of expensive mechanical crushers. The guides are simple structural elements that direct articles into nesting positions, and the receptacle is a basic container with an open end, both of which are far cheaper than powered crushing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs waste compaction automatically through gravity and the natural nesting properties of the articles themselves. Articles stack into the receptacle automatically when deposited, requiring no external power source or complex mechanical systems, thus eliminating the need for expensive crushers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If biodegradable waste is separated from non-biodegradable waste, then environmental disposal options improve, but sorting time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is segmented into separate compartments: a main waste container for non-biodegradable waste and a separate nested stack receptacle specifically for biodegradable nestable articles. This physical segmentation enables automatic separation without manual sorting, as articles are directed to appropriate receptacles based on their nesting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested stack receptacle acts as an intermediary structure that automatically receives and holds biodegradable nestable articles. By providing a dedicated receptacle with guiding structures, the system mediates the separation process, allowing biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste to be automatically divided based on their physical properties without requiring human intervention.
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
Enables easy stacking and removal of nested articles, reducing waste volume and allowing for separate disposal of biodegradable waste, thereby simplifying waste management and reducing disposal costs.
Implementation Method 1
the nested stack of articles is removable under gravity from the receptacle through the open article-receiving end
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for receiving and storing a plurality of nestable articles comprising an elongate tubular receptacle for receiving and storing the plurality of articles as a nested stack of articles. The receptacle has an open article-receiving end and a partially open other end for retaining the nested stack of articles in the receptacle. Attachment means are provided on an exterior surface of the receptacle for pivotally suspending the receptacle from a waste container for rotation relative to the waste container about a pivot point. In use, the receptacle is held on the waste container with the open article-receiving end positioned above the partially open other end. Upon rotation of the receptacle about the pivot point so that the article-receiving end is positioned below the partially open other end, the nested stack of articles are removable under gravity from the receptacle through the open article-receiving end.