All in One Home Waste Disposal System

Designed a manual compacting waste disposal system which has optimized space and segregation capability of a household recycling bin with aesthetic compatibility. Utilized analytical product development tools like touchpoint model, QFD, down selection matrix to arrive at product design, Kansei methodology to convert the qualitative aesthetic input through consumer surveys into quantitative attribute selection, LIDS methodology for material and manufacturing process selection and cost model with break-even analysis assuming .The proof of concept was validated using conjoint analysis.

 Abstract:

The current waste disposal process in United States households is inefficient in terms of indoor space taken up by trash and recyclables, and time spent emptying the indoor bins. Survey of homeowners indicates frustration with these two steps of the recycling process as well as lack of knowledge on waste separation. The goal of this project is to design a home waste disposal system that can optimize indoor space and decrease the number of times needed to empty the indoor bins. The All-in-one Home Waste Disposal System is a three compartment bin for recyclables (plastic and paper), trash and returnable items. The three compartments are well labelled in order to inform the user on how to properly segregate waste. The bin has compacting capabilities in the trash and recycling sections. This is achieved by using a manual compacter with an increased mechanical leverage system. The user provides the compression force using a handle bar lever that attaches to the sides of the bin. This lever slides down in front of the bin and has two plungers attached to it, which compresses the recycle and trash compartments of the bin. The design was developed and tested using Solid Works and FEM to check stresses in the handle bar and plungers. A clean professional aesthetic look was applied to the All-in-one Home Waste Disposal System in order to blend it with modern household appliances. User tests will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of our product in comparison to the current household bin system. This product is expected to be competitive with normal indoor trash bins with increased volume optimization and segregation capability.

Highlights:

Market Research and downselection:

Combination Table of different ideas

Downselection Matrix

Ergonomic study and product design:

OSHA Max standards for pushing and pulling

Autodesk Forceeffect for force analysis in linkages

Trash compacting mechanism (Left) and Recyclables compacting mechanism(right)

SolidWorks stress and displacement analysis for critical components

Features of All in One Compacter

 Material selection and Mass Manufacturing:

LIDS circle for electric compacter mass manufacturing

MET Matrix for material selection 

Cycle Time Calculation for mass manufacturing

Capital Equipment layout for mass manufacturing

 Financial Forecast:

Profit Model

Proof of Concept at Design Expo 2016 at University of Michigan

Validation of design using conjoint analysis

Attribute comparison chart using customer feedback