Sensor-Driven Organic Matter Grinding and Drying With Stall Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional food recyclers and grinders are inefficient in processing organic matter, leading to greenhouse gas emissions and increased transportation costs due to the weight and volume of non-desiccated food waste, which requires heavy trucks and contributes to infrastructure wear and tear.

Innovation Solution

An organic matter processing apparatus that uses a bucket assembly for grinding and heating, combined with airflow to desiccate organic matter, and an algorithm controlling the processing based on time windows, runtimes, and sensor data to produce a lightweight, shelf-stable product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional food recyclers and grinders are used to process organic matter, then the processing function is provided, but the processing efficiency is low and the output product has high weight and volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidweight of processed organic matter

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical state of organic matter from wet to desiccated through controlled heating and airflow. The system adjusts temperature parameters and air flow rates to achieve thorough drying, reducing the moisture content and consequently the weight and volume of the processed material, enabling efficient processing with lightweight output suitable for cost-effective transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical grinding systems with an integrated thermal and aerodynamic processing system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical force to reduce material volume, the system uses controlled heating combined with airflow to desiccate and lighten the organic matter, achieving both processing and weight reduction through non-mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If heavy trucks are used to transport non-desiccated food waste, then the transportation function is provided, but infrastructure wear and tear increases and transportation costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of food wasteVSAvoidinfrastructure wear and tear

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing desiccation and weight reduction of organic matter at the source before transportation. The system pre-processes the material to achieve minimal moisture content and reduced volume, ensuring that only lightweight, compact material requires transportation. This preliminary treatment eliminates the need for heavy-duty transport infrastructure and reduces associated wear and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If conventional grinders are used without intelligent control, then the grinding function is provided, but the consistency and efficiency of processing vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidconsistency of processed output

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control through sensors that continuously monitor processing parameters such as temperature, airflow, and material state. The system uses this real-time data to adjust heating power and air flow rates dynamically, ensuring consistent desiccation results and uniform processing quality. This closed-loop control maintains high efficiency and precision throughout the processing cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the processing system adaptive and responsive rather than static. The control system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time sensor feedback, allowing the processor to optimize performance for varying input materials and conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures consistent output quality and maintains high processing efficiency across different operating scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus efficiently converts organic matter into a desiccated product, reducing methane emissions, lowering transportation costs, and minimizing infrastructure impact by producing a lightweight, shelf-stable output that can be easily shipped and used for upcycling.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element can heat the bucket to a temperature sufficient to convert the organic matter into a desiccated product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

one or more fans can blow air across the organic matter to remove moisture from the organic matter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20240253054A1Intelligent sensor-driven processing of organic matter with soft and hard stall motor grinder detection

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 CHEWIE LABS INC

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an organic matter processing apparatus and method for the use thereof to convert organic matter into a ground and selectively dried product. This can be accomplished using a bucket assembly that can grind, paddle, and heat organic matter contained therein. An algorithm is used to control the conversion of organic input to organic output by progressing through processing states based, in part, on time windows, runtimes, and sensor data. Motor operation can be observed to promote efficient grinding of the organic matter contained in the bucket assembly.