Organic Matter Processing Apparatus for Methane Reduction
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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 organic waste, which requires heavy trucks and contributes to infrastructure wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A residential organic matter processing apparatus that uses a bucket assembly for grinding, paddling, and heating organic matter, combined with an air treatment system to produce a ground and desiccated product, reducing weight and volume for efficient shipping and upcycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional food recyclers and grinders are used to process organic matter, then the processing can be performed, but the efficiency is low and the product remains non-desiccated resulting in increased weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing heating elements that raise the temperature of the processing chamber and air treatment systems that reduce moisture content. These parameter changes transform the organic matter from a wet, heavy state to a dry, lightweight state, directly resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and the quantity of substance remaining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by desiccating the organic matter during the initial processing stage rather than as a separate subsequent step. The heating and air circulation systems work concurrently with the grinding process to remove moisture before the material is discharged, preventing the accumulation of heavy, wet waste that would require additional transportation resources.
2Ease of operation
If non-desiccated organic waste is transported using heavy trucks, then the waste can be moved to processing facilities, but transportation costs increase and infrastructure wear and tear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary desiccation at the source location before transportation is required. By reducing the moisture content and consequently the weight of the organic waste during the initial processing phase, the system eliminates the need for heavy-duty transportation equipment and reduces fuel consumption and infrastructure wear associated with moving heavy waste materials.
3Device complexity
If organic matter is not desiccated before shipping, then the shipping process is simpler, but the weight and volume require heavy trucks and increase transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the desiccation function with the primary processing operations by integrating heating elements and air circulation systems into the food recycler apparatus. This combination allows moisture removal to occur concurrently with grinding and mixing, adding a functional capability without requiring a separate, complex desiccation stage or additional transportation infrastructure.
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 effectively converts organic matter into a lightweight, shelf-stable product that reduces methane emissions, minimizes transportation costs, and extends the lifespan of infrastructure by processing organic waste into a usable, desiccated form for further processing into higher-value products.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element positioned within the processing chamber and operative to heat the OMPA input
Implementation Method 2
a fan positioned within the durable housing and operative to generate an airflow through the processing chamber
Implementation Method 3
a photolysis chamber positioned within the durable housing and an odor destructor positioned within the durable housing
Data Source
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 desiccated product. This can be accomplished using a bucket assembly that can grind, paddle, and heat organic matter contained therein. An air treatment system is provided to treat the air interacting with the organic matter.