Vehicle Waste Container Projections and Check Valve Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste containers on vehicles, such as watercraft, face issues with solid waste accumulation that can block routes for emptying and maintenance of onboard waste management systems is overly complex.
Innovation Solution
A waste container with projections on the inner surface to disturb, generate turbulence, and break apart waste during vehicle movement, along with a valve apparatus featuring non-dismantlable check valves for controlling waste flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solid waste accumulates in the waste container chamber, then waste storage capacity is maintained, but blockages occur in the emptying routes
Solution Approach 1:
The projections on the inner surface of the chamber create turbulence and disturbance in the waste material during vehicle movement, effectively breaking up solid accumulations and preventing blockages in the emptying routes while maintaining waste storage capacity
2Productivity
If complex valve systems are used for waste flow control, then waste handling efficiency is improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve in the valve apparatus automatically controls waste flow direction based on pressure differential without requiring external control mechanisms, achieving efficient waste handling while minimizing maintenance complexity through self-regulating operation
3Ease of operation
If projections are added to the inner surface to break apart solids, then waste dispersion is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projections are integrated into the chamber structure with specific dimensions (extending 0.25-2 inches from the surface) and spacing (0.5-3 inches apart) that can be directly formed during the rotational molding process, achieving effective waste dispersion without adding separate manufacturing steps
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 projections enhance waste dispersion and flow management, reducing blockages and simplifying maintenance, while the valve apparatus ensures efficient waste handling and control.
Implementation Method 1
the projections are configured to generate turbulence in the waste in the chamber as movement of the vehicle causes the waste in the chamber to move in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide waste containers for waste management on a vehicle, such as a watercraft. A waste container for use on a vehicle may include at least one wall comprising an inner surface defining a chamber for holding waste, and a plurality of projections projecting from the inner surface of the at least one wall into the chamber. Aspects of the present disclosure also provide valve apparatuses for controlling flow of waste into or out of a waste container. Such a valve apparatus may include a non-dismantlable valve body defining a flow channel for conveying waste, and at least one check valve secured within the flow channel and configured to allow waste to flow from an inlet to an outlet of the flow channel and to prevent waste from flowing from the outlet to the inlet.