Sacks Disposal Device with Segmented Gravity and Centrifugal Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sack disposal machines are inefficient in separating liquid and solid parts, require manual intervention for filter emptying, and pose health risks to operators due to trapped liquids and incomplete separation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a shredder with counter-rotating shafts and sharp protuberances, followed by a first solid/liquid separator using gravity and slow mechanical action, and a second separator utilizing centrifugal force for further liquid extraction, ensuring automatic and efficient separation of solid and liquid parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple sieve filter is used for solid/liquid separation, then the device structure is simple and low cost, but liquid remains trapped between shredded parts and separation is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device is segmented into multiple functional zones: a conical zone for initial separation under gravity, a centrifugal zone with rotating elements for enhanced separation, and a discharge zone. This segmentation allows each zone to perform a specific separation function, improving overall efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the separation parameters by transitioning from static gravity-based separation in the conical zone to dynamic centrifugal separation in the rotating zone. This parameter change enables more complete liquid extraction from shredded material without requiring complex multi-stage systems.
2Device complexity
If manual intervention is required to empty the filter, then the device structure is simple, but operator health risks increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device performs self-service through automatic discharge mechanisms. The conical geometry and centrifugal action naturally convey separated liquid and light solid parts to discharge outlets without requiring manual intervention. Heavy solid parts are automatically ejected through specialized outlets, eliminating operator exposure to physiological fluids.
3Productivity
If fast rotating paddles are used in the separator, then liquid extraction is more efficient, but solid parts are not properly conveyed and separation effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic elements that rotate at controlled speeds to achieve optimal separation. The rotation speed is carefully balanced to generate sufficient centrifugal force for liquid extraction while maintaining proper conveyance of solid parts toward discharge outlets. This dynamic operation ensures both productivity and separation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry creates a gradient that balances gravitational and centrifugal forces. This equipotential design ensures that liquid is efficiently extracted while solid parts naturally follow the conical surface to discharge points, maintaining separation effectiveness without requiring excessive rotation speeds.
4Productivity
If a large centralized shredding machine is used, then disposal capacity is high, but the machine is expensive and requires single location placement
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal system is segmented into a compact integrated unit combining shredding and separation functions. This segmentation allows the device to be placed in multiple locations throughout the hospital rather than requiring a single centralized location, while maintaining effective disposal capacity through optimized component design.
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 device achieves efficient and automatic separation of liquid and solid parts from plastic sacks, reducing health risks and operational inefficiencies, while allowing for rapid implementation and low costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first hopper suitable for receiving said sacks by gravity force
Implementation Method 2
the liquid outlet comprising a plurality of holes
Implementation Method 3
a second separator utilizing centrifugal force for further liquid extraction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine for disposing solid plastic sacks containing liquid, for example sacks with bladder catheters or other flexible tubes used in hospital departments. The machine comprises a shredder placed inside a first hopper comprising a first shaft provided with a first plurality of discs, each of them provided with sharp protuberances suitable for breaking the sacks to drain the liquid contained therein. The machine further comprises at least one element for separating the solid parts from the liquid parts of said plastic sacks coming from said shredder (5).