Sensor-Activated Waste Chute with Pneumatic Vapor Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste management systems in elevated platforms require frequent stair climbing by waste collection teams to empty and replace containers, posing safety risks and limiting workspace due to storage needs, and mechanical spring mechanisms for vapor control are prone to decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
A waste containment system with a chute and sensor-activated pivoting mechanism for container lids, allowing controlled waste transfer to ground-level containers and automated vapor locking to prevent vapor escape, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If waste containers are stored on the platform, then waste can be collected and stored, but workspace is limited and trip hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The waste container is repositioned from the platform level to ground level, utilizing vertical space differentiation. The chute provides a three-dimensional pathway that connects the platform workspace above with the ground-level storage below, effectively moving the storage function to a different spatial dimension without encroaching on the platform workspace.
2Reliability
If mechanical spring mechanisms are used to close flaps, then vapor containment is achieved, but performance decreases over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical spring mechanism is replaced with an air pressure system. Compressed air is introduced through a nozzle to force the flap closed, eliminating the need for mechanical springs. This pneumatic system maintains reliable vapor containment without the degradation issues associated with mechanical spring fatigue and wear over time.
3Productivity
If manual handling of waste containers is required, then waste can be transferred, but safety risks and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic waste transfer without manual intervention. Waste falls through the chute and automatically triggers the flap closure mechanism when it contacts the sensor, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy containers. The system serves itself by using the waste material to trigger its own containment.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the falling waste and the flap closure mechanism. The sensor detects the presence of waste and activates the pneumatic system to close the flap, providing an automated control link that eliminates manual handling while ensuring timely vapor containment.
Data Source
AI summary
A waste containment system for use with a waste management system, having a chute and a container, includes a sensor configured to determine a position of a chute top lid. The waste containment system also includes at least one pivoting mechanism operatively coupled to at least one flap of a container top lid. The pivoting mechanism is configured to move the at least one flap between an open position and a closed position. The waste containment system also includes a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and to the at least one pivoting mechanism. The controller is configured to control the pivoting mechanism based on the determined position of the chute top lid.