Vacuum Debris Collection and Sifting Device for Coin Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vacuum cleaning devices, particularly those used in car wash facilities, require manual and time-consuming sorting through dirt and debris to retrieve valuable items like coins and bills, which is unsanitary and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A collection and sifting device with a resilient, truncated funnel-shaped body and a bottom cap that can be securely closed to retain items within, featuring holes smaller than a U.S. dime, allowing only smaller debris to pass through, is integrated into the vacuum housing for easy separation of valuables from waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual sorting through dirt and debris is used to retrieve valuable items, then valuable items can be retrieved, but the process is time-consuming and unsanitary
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is segmented into two distinct compartments: a first container for waste debris and a second container for valuable items. This segmentation allows automatic separation of debris types during vacuuming, eliminating the need for manual sorting and reducing both time and sanitary issues associated with handling mixed debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the divided container system with separate collection chambers) that automatically separates valuable items from waste debris during the vacuuming process. This intermediary structure performs the sorting function that would otherwise require manual intervention, thereby reducing time loss and improving sanitary conditions.
2Strength
If a rigid collection container is used, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility for maneuvering in tight spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container employs a flexible, collapsible design that can be compressed and manipulated to navigate tight spaces and irregular terrain within vehicles. The flexible material maintains sufficient structural integrity to contain debris while allowing the container to be squeezed, folded, or reshaped as needed for access to confined areas.
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
Enables quick, sanitary, and efficient separation of valuable items from vacuumed debris, reducing manual sorting time and preventing loss of valuable items, while maintaining cleanliness and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The motor which spins the air impeller, transfers an air load from the air entry port, (which is a terminal end of the hose), to an air outlet port which is the exhaust. The transfer of the air load from the inlet to the exhaust creates a region of low pressure within the housing and the pressure differential creates suction whereby particles, debris, dirt and dust are propelled toward the lower pressure region through a medial channel defined by the hose.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of spacedly arrayed holes are defined in the bottom portion and in the sidewall proximate the bottom portion. Each spacedly arrayed hole has a diameter smaller than a diameter of a U.S. dime.
Data Source
AI summary
A collection and sifting device provides a flexibly resilient truncated funnel shaped body having a top circumferential edge extending around an open top portion, and a spaced apart bottom circumferential edge extending about a diametrically smaller closed bottom portion with a sidewall extending between the top circumferential edge and the bottom circumferential edge. A plurality of spacedly arrayed through holes are defined in the bottom portion and in the sidewall proximate the bottom portion. Each spacedly arrayed through hole has a diameter smaller than a diameter of a U.S. dime. A bottom cap is releasably securable to the body to optionally obstruct the plurality of through holes.