HomeMy WebLinkAboutTUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTATION - 3.21.17Lemelson-MIT
InvenTeams
Tustin High
Chewing Gum Removal
Machine
Video
Gum litter is the second largest litter problem in the world
Almost every public space contains unwanted chewing gum waste
250,000 tons per year of waste
Existing methods
Expensive, inefficient, hazardous to the environment
The Problem
Our Solution
Multi-part solution
Develop each of the prototypes separately
Mechanical Abrasion
Heat
Chemical
Combine each prototype into one device
Heat
●Purpose: To soften the gum, increase effectiveness of
other components
Image: A picture of one of the first iterations of
the complete heating unit.
Design: Heating elements and fan
Criteria for efficient heater
High airflow
Sufficient heat
Solution:
Powerful fan -hair dryer
Heating element -heat gun
Image: The disassembled heating unit, with the
heating element on the left, and fan on the right,
connected with a switch that toggles heat on and off.
Design: Housing
Adequate airflow to heating element
Minimal turbulence
Upper half
Control switch
Lower Half
Fan
Heating section
Top half Bottom half
Chemicals we have tried
Chemical Testing
●Tried multiple substances mixed with water
●Analyzed with solutions worked best at breaking apart the gum
●Isolated active ingredients that are essential
Trilon M (Trisodium salt of
methylglycinediacetic acid)
Isolated as main chemical component of Krud Kutter, most
effective cleaning substance
Can be found in detergents, soap, textiles, and water
softening products
We verified that it is a safe water soluble chemical
Still to do
Mechanical Abrasion
What we are looking for
Avoiding “Clean Stain”
Durable and effective
Replaceable
Brush will physically separate gum from the surface
12V electric drill; 25 amp, 100 watt power supply
Our Device
Integration prototype
Why is this the best solution?
It incorporates our three best possible methods for removing chewing gum
Our machine is planned to be efficient and not time consuming
It will overall improve the aesthetics of the urban environment
Gofundme