Retroactive Trash Chute Lining via Inflatable Resin Liner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lining systems for trash chutes are not suitable for vertically oriented, thin-walled conduits as they require high pressures, are heavy, or significantly reduce the open area, leading to issues like contamination, rust, and impractical maintenance due to the thin metal construction and vertical orientation of trash chutes.
Innovation Solution
A tubular fabric liner infused with a heat-activated resin is used, which is inflated and cured within the trash chute to bond with the interior, providing a lightweight, low-pressure installation method that maintains the chute's open area and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lining systems are used in trash chutes, then the chute interior is protected from contamination, but the thin-walled chute structure cannot withstand the high installation pressures required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a collapsible tube inserted into the trash chute and inflated with air or gas to expand the lining material against the chute walls. This pneumatic inflation method allows the lining to be installed at low pressures that the thin-walled chute can withstand, while still achieving secure bonding through the expanded contact between the lining and chute interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the lining material from a collapsible, compact form during insertion to an expanded, rigid form during installation. The material transitions from a compressed state that fits within the chute during insertion to an expanded state that bonds to the chute walls, allowing installation without excessive pressure on the thin-walled structure.
2Reliability
If heavy lining systems are used to protect the trash chute, then contamination is prevented, but the mounting brackets cannot support the added weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-film collapsible tube made of flexible material that can be inserted into the trash chute in a compact state. Once inflated, this thin film expands to line the entire chute interior, providing contamination protection without the weight of traditional rigid lining systems. The thin-film structure achieves protective function while maintaining lightweight characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The lining system transitions from a static, heavy structure to a dynamic, inflatable structure. The collapsible tube is inserted in a deflated state, then inflated to expand and adhere to the chute walls. This dynamic transformation allows the system to achieve the protective function of a heavy lining without the corresponding weight burden.
3Manufacturing precision
If high installation pressures are applied to install the lining, then the lining bonds securely, but the thin sheet metal seams split or the metal bends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controlled pneumatic inflation to apply uniform, low pressure to expand the collapsible tube against the chute walls. This pneumatic method distributes the installation pressure evenly across the entire lining surface, achieving secure bonding through extended contact time and uniform pressure rather than high peak pressures that would damage the thin-walled chute seams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a release agent to the chute interior surfaces before inserting the collapsible tube. This preliminary action reduces friction and allows the tube to be inserted and inflated without requiring excessive force. The release agent ensures that the lining can bond securely to the chute walls during inflation without creating stress concentrations that would damage the thin sheet metal seams.
4Reliability
If the lining system significantly decreases the open area, then the lining provides better protection, but the trash chute flow capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an extremely thin-film collapsible tube that, when inflated, provides complete contamination protection while occupying minimal space. The thin-film construction allows the lining to adhere closely to the chute walls without protruding into the chute's flow area, thereby protecting the interior surfaces while maintaining the original open area and trash flow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lining material undergoes a parameter change from a thick, rigid structure to a thin, flexible film during the installation process. This parameter transformation allows the lining to provide comprehensive protection while minimizing the reduction in open area. The thin-film state achieved after inflation and bonding ensures that the protective layer does not significantly encroach on the chute's functional flow capacity.
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 solution effectively lines the trash chute, preventing contamination and rust, reducing maintenance costs and labor, while ensuring the structural integrity of the thin-walled conduit without the need for high installation pressures or significant weight additions.
Implementation Method 1
The resin is contacted by interior surfaces of the trash chute and cures to bond the tubular fabric liner to the interior surfaces of the trash chute
Implementation Method 2
The tubular fabric liner is inflated by introducing a gas or air therethrough to expand the tubular fabric liner
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of retroactively lining a vertical trash chute in a building. A tubular fabric liner is provided having a first open end and a second open end. The tubular fabric liner is infused with a resin. A first plug assembly is attached to the first open end. The tubular fabric liner is pulled through the vertical trash chute to position the tubular fabric liner in the trash chute. A second plug assembly is attached to the second open end. The tubular fabric liner is inflated. As it expands, the tubular fabric liner presses against the interior of the trash chute. This condition is maintained until the resin cures and bonds the tubular fabric liner to the trash chute. Once cured, the plug assemblies are removed, the tubular fabric liner is trimmed, and trash chute access openings are cut through the cured liner.