Rotatable Waste Shredder Chute for On-Site Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional waste disposal methods involve transporting loose trash, which consumes excessive space and resources, leading to increased transportation costs and prolonged decomposition times due to the lack of on-site waste volume reduction systems.
Innovation Solution
A waste-volume reduction system comprising a feeder chute, shredder assembly with rotatable blades, and an exit chute, capable of shredding waste into smaller pieces and applying anti-microbial agents, integrated with a motor assembly and controller for efficient on-site waste processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If waste is transported and disposed of in its original loose form, then collection and disposal processes are simple, but transportation costs increase and landfill space is consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs waste shredding at the point of generation before the waste needs to be transported or disposed of. The in-vehicle shredder reduces waste volume immediately when collected, transforming bulky loose waste into compact shredded pieces that occupy significantly less space in trucks and landfills, thereby reducing transportation costs and landfill space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The shredding process changes the physical parameters of the waste by reducing its volume and altering its shape. The mechanical shredding action breaks down large pieces of waste into smaller, more compact pieces, changing the waste's density and space-occupying characteristics without changing its chemical composition
2Quantity of substance
If waste is shredded at collection sites, then transportation costs decrease and landfill space is reduced, but requires additional equipment and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection vehicle performs the shredding function itself using an in-vehicle shredder mounted on the truck. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate centralized shredding facilities and reduces the overall system complexity by integrating the shredding function directly into the collection vehicle, making the system more compact and operationally simpler
Solution Approach 2:
The waste collection vehicle is transformed from a single-function transportation device into a multi-functional system that combines collection, shredding, and loading operations. The in-vehicle shredder enables the vehicle to process waste volume reduction during transit, making the collection system adaptable to various waste types and locations without requiring additional specialized equipment
3Ease of operation
If waste is not broken down before disposal, then collection processes remain simple, but decomposition time is prolonged and landfill space is used faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies mechanical breakdown action immediately at the point of waste generation through the in-vehicle shredder. This preliminary shredding action accelerates the natural decomposition process by creating smaller particle sizes that are more susceptible to biological degradation, thereby reducing the time waste remains in landfills while maintaining simple collection procedures
4Quantity of substance
If traditional shredding systems are used, then waste volume is reduced, but transport to equipment is required and immediate processing is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection vehicle equips itself with an in-vehicle shredder that enables immediate waste processing at the point of collection. This eliminates the need to transport waste to separate shredding facilities and allows the system to process waste volume reduction immediately during the collection trip, significantly reducing processing time and enabling on-demand waste treatment
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 system significantly reduces waste volume, optimizing storage, transportation, and decomposition by minimizing space consumption and enhancing efficiency through on-site shredding and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a shredder assembly with rotatable blades, capable of shredding waste into smaller pieces
Implementation Method 2
applying anti-microbial agents
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for waste volume reduction and disposal, including a method comprising feeding waste into a feeder chute having an intake end, an output end, and an interior, wherein at least the intake end of the feeder chute is rotatable about a first axis, wherein the output end of the feeder chute comprises one or more ball bearings; rotating the output end of the feeder chute utilizing the one or more ball bearings in order to accept waste into the feeder chute; shredding the waste into shredded pieces with a shredder assembly; adding a reservoir positioned proximate to the shredder assembly, the reservoir having an applicator configured to disperse one or more agents from the reservoir onto the shredded pieces of the waste; and dispersing the one or more agents from the applicator of the reservoir onto the shredded pieces of the waste.