Sensor-Driven Organic Waste Processing for Drying and Pathogen Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing organic matter in residences are inefficient, leading to methane emissions and high transportation costs due to the need for transporting non-desiccated organic waste, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and infrastructure wear.
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 and sensor data to produce a shelf-stable, lightweight output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional food recyclers or food grinders are used to process organic matter, then the organic matter can be converted into a partially desiccated product, but the processing efficiency is low and the output is not sufficiently desiccated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions (grinding, heating, drying) into a single integrated apparatus. The food recycler includes both grinding elements and heating elements within the same processing chamber, allowing simultaneous mechanical and thermal processing of organic matter to achieve efficient desiccation and pathogen destruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies controlled heating to change the temperature parameter of the organic matter during processing. By raising the temperature to specific ranges (e.g., 140°F-220°F or higher), the system achieves pathogen destruction and accelerated drying, transforming the organic matter from a moist, biologically active state to a desiccated, stable state.
2Ease of manufacture
If non-desiccated organic waste is transported to processing facilities, then the organic matter can be processed centrally, but transportation costs increase and greenhouse gas emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables residential self-processing of organic matter through the food recycler apparatus. Households can independently grind, heat, and dry their own organic waste, eliminating the need for centralized collection and transportation. This self-service approach converts organic waste into a stable, lightweight product that can be easily stored or disposed of without requiring energy-intensive transport.
3Ease of manufacture
If heavy trucks are used to transport food waste to processing facilities, then the organic matter can be delivered to appropriate facilities, but infrastructure wear increases and additional greenhouse gas emissions are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables households to process their own organic waste on-premises, eliminating the need for heavy transportation trucks. By converting wet organic matter into a desiccated, lightweight product using the food recycler, the system allows for easy disposal or transport of minimal waste material, thereby avoiding the harmful effects of heavy truck transportation entirely.
4Ease of manufacture
If organic matter is not desiccated before shipping, then the organic matter can be transported to upcycling facilities, but shipping costs increase due to weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal processing to change the moisture content parameter of the organic matter. By heating and drying the organic waste to reduce moisture to below 20% (or even below 10%), the system dramatically reduces the weight and volume of the material, making it economical to ship to upcycling facilities or for home composting.
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 and transportation costs by producing a lightweight, shelf-stable output that can be easily shipped and used in upcycling processes.
Implementation Method 1
A controller is provided to control operation of the grinding mechanism, the heating element, and the fan motor
Implementation Method 2
One or more fans are provided to dry out the organic matter
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 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.