Table top structure for waste disposal and waste disposal system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waste disposal systems in kitchens lack a convenient and efficient method for sorting and disposing of mixed bio and plastic waste during food preparation, leading to time-consuming and frustrating processes.

Innovation Solution

A table top structure with a movable cover and integrated waste containers allows for easy sorting and disposal of waste by moving the cover to different positions over apertures, facilitating the separation and recycling of bio and plastic waste, and enabling easy cleaning of the cutting board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If waste is sorted into different bins manually, then recycling is facilitated, but time and effort are consumed during food preparation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste sorting capabilityVSAvoidtime for waste disposal
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting board is merged with the waste disposal system by integrating it as a movable cover that seals the aperture. This combination allows the cutting board to serve dual functions: food preparation surface and waste disposal lid, eliminating the need to transport waste separately and reducing time loss during food preparation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable cover acts as an intermediary between the cutting board and waste containers. It provides a sealed connection that allows waste to be disposed of directly from the cutting board into designated containers below, facilitating efficient waste sorting without requiring separate disposal actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the cutting board is fixed in position, then stability is maintained, but waste disposal and cleaning become inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting board stabilityVSAvoidwaste disposal convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting board transitions from a fixed state to a movable state through the implementation of a movable cover design. The cover can be moved between covering and uncovering positions, allowing the system to adapt between stability during cutting and accessibility during waste disposal, thereby improving operational convenience without compromising overall stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the movable cover is positioned above the table top surface, then ease of movement is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovable cover mobilityVSAvoidtable top structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The table top structure incorporates asymmetric chamfer edges around the aperture that correspond to the asymmetric positioning of the movable cover in its first position. This asymmetric design naturally guides the movement and positioning of the cover, improving ease of operation while the integration of these features into the table top structure minimizes the increase in overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3822195B1Table top structure for waste disposal and waste disposal system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 AARNIO KARI
  • EP3822195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3822195B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3822195B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a table top structure (100, 200, 300) for waste disposal, the table top structure comprising a table top (102, 202) comprising a top surface (106, 206), a bottom surface, and an aperture (108, 208) for waste disposal, a movable cover (104, 204, 304a, 304b) comprising a top surface, and a bottom surface, wherein in a first position the movable cover is arranged to cover the aperture, in the first position the bottom surface of the movable cover is arranged below the top surface of the table top, and in a second position the movable cover is arranged to open the aperture for waste disposal through the aperture, in the second position at least part of the bottom surface of the movable cover is arranged above the top surface of the table top. The present invention relates to a related waste disposal system.