ReTurn Compost Tumbler
THE PROBLEM
Successful aerobic compost must be turned every other day in order to optimize microbial processes.Green homeowners are discouraged from composting because turning is tedious and labor-intensive.
The goal of my team was to design a competetive product that removes the need to manually turn compost.
The goal of my team was to design a competetive product that removes the need to manually turn compost.
THE EXISTING MARKET
SOLUTION CRITERIA
Cost |
Accesibility |
Microbial
|
Durability |
Self Sustainability |
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
THE RETURN TUMBLER
Using the above criteria and building off of the final solution design, my team and I created the ReTurn Tumbler.
Design (3 systems)
- Two cylinders are elevated by support legs. The compost chamber is attached to the axle that runs through the center. The motor chamber is fixed to the supports and houses the motor that is connected to the axle. When the motor spins, it rotates the axle, spinning the compost chamber.
- Compost Chamber
- The drum will be made out of a custom polypropylene mold. The inserts will be made of the same material and are attached to the inside for mixing of compost when the drum rotates. door attached with hinges and latches be split into two sections
- Motor Chamber
- A 2-rpm 12 volt motor we chose will be mounted to a polypropylene shelf inside the molded motor housing of same material. The circuit board will also be on the shelf, connected to a battery and manual activation switch.
- Supports
- The supports will be constructed of 6061 aluminum bent into shape, with the axle made from the same material. Ball bearings connect the axle to the supports.
- Compost Chamber