Trash Receptacle Separating Liquids and Solids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of liquids in trash contaminates solids and recyclables, leading to increased weight and volume, undesirable CO2 gas production, and unhealthy conditions for sanitation and landfill workers, resulting in various hazards and costs.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece recycling separation system with a trash receptacle featuring a pass-through chute for solids and a catch area for liquids, which funnels liquids into a reservoir tank for future disposal, allowing for easy removal and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single opening is used for both liquid and solid waste disposal, then the device structure is simple, but liquids contaminate solids and recyclables in the trash container
Solution Approach 1:
The single opening is divided into two separate openings: a first opening for solid waste and a second opening for liquid waste. This segmentation prevents liquid contamination of solids while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The lid includes both openings positioned to receive respective waste streams separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid waste disposal function is extracted from the solid waste disposal system. A separate second opening and associated drainage components are provided specifically for liquids, removing them from the solid waste path and preventing contamination.
2Ease of operation
If liquids are disposed of with solids, then the disposal process is simple, but the weight and volume of trash increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal system is segmented into separate pathways for liquids and solids. The first opening directs solids to the container while the second opening channels liquids through a drainage system to a collection reservoir, preventing liquids from adding unnecessary weight and volume to the trash.
Solution Approach 2:
A drainage system with a collection reservoir acts as an intermediary between the liquid waste source and the trash container. This intermediary captures liquids before they can contaminate and add weight to the solid waste, allowing for separate handling and disposal.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a drainage system is added to separate liquids, then liquid contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into distinct functional components: a second opening in the lid, a drainage passage, a collection reservoir, and a discharge mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to prevent liquid entry into the trash container through complex sealing mechanisms, the system inverts the approach by providing a dedicated pathway for liquids to exit through the drainage system. This simpler inverted approach naturally prevents contamination without requiring complex exclusion mechanisms.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If liquids are stored in a collection reservoir, then contamination is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir system is segmented as a separate, removable component from the main trash container. This allows the reservoir to be independently manufactured, cleaned, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while effectively capturing and storing liquids for separate disposal.
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
This system effectively separates liquids from solids, reducing the weight and volume of trash, decreasing CO2 emissions, and minimizing worker injuries by allowing liquids to be discarded through a drain, thereby reducing hauling costs and environmental impacts.
Implementation Method 1
When liquid is poured in the liquid orifice, the liquid is funneled down a drain and stored in a reservoir tank
Implementation Method 2
the liquid is funneled down a drain and stored in a reservoir tank for future disposal
Data Source
AI summary
A trash receptacle for separating liquids and solids is disclosed. An example embodiment includes: a lid unit including a sink area for receiving waste liquids and a chute area for receiving waste solids; a reservoir tank for retaining the waste liquids, the sink area including a connecting tube coupling the sink area to the reservoir tank and enabling the waste liquids to flow from the sink area into the reservoir tank; and the lid unit being configured to fit over the reservoir tank and an opening of a trash container.