HOME / PERSONAL PROJECT (ONGOING)

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This project was done to solve a problem with recycling items within the household, regarding the noise that was generated when empty soft drinks bottles were deposited into a recycling bin. The proposed idea was to position the bins in a soundproofed cupboard and design a simple mechanism that would both slow the decent of the deposited bottles and isolate the rest of the room from the noise of the bottles contacting as they entered the recycling bin.

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The objectives of the project were as follows:

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• Design and install a device that would dampen the noise of bottles falling into a recycling bin.

• Ensure that ease of cleaning is built into design.

• Device must be designed and manufactured within budget of £100.

• Use SolidWorks CAD software to aid in design of prototypes and final embodiment.

• Design MUST be relatively simple.

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Proposed design:

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The design that was elaborated was a system that would utilise hatches with a sprung hinge that would close after a bottle had been deposited through, preventing sound from being transmitted into the room where the recycling bin was located, the hatch would be opened using a push handle preventing hands from being caught by the hatches closing and improving safety of use. Ramps would be positioned on the inside of the hatch which would use a removable neoprene lining, having the advantage of both reducing the coefficient of friction, slowing the bottles and being easily serviceable as they could be removed and machined washed. Ease of lining removal would be achieved using durable stainless steel material press studs to prevent corrosion from contact with liquids. SolidWorks was used extensively to first model the cupboard where the bins would be located and develop the device designed for use in the home. To aid in further reduction of noise, soundproofing would be installed within the cupboard on the walls and door.

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Images of the first prototype are shown below:

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