Classroom project for Techno Aesthetic Detailing
Meso and microplastic collector made during Techno-Aesthetic-Detailing classroom course.
Team
Tejas Pawar
Mentors
Kuntal De
Duration
8 week
Principle Statement:
"To develop a product capable of rotating and creating a whirlpool in a fluid, which could be used to filter degraded plastic particles."
Scenarios and Problem-solution set
To start the project, I began by identifying the opportunity area. I created various scenarios to work on, based on the broader topics taken from the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The four major categories we focused on were Affordable and Clean Energy, Life on Land, Life Below Water, and Good Health and Well-being. Next, I selected one scenario and developed a problem-solution set. The process involved defining a problem, identifying why it matters, and ideating a solution for it.
Problem Area
The alarming reality of plastic pollution in our oceans is underscored by the fact that nearly 80 per cent of it is traced back to approximately 1,000 rivers worldwide. Annually, an estimated eight million metric tons of land-based plastic infiltrate the delicate ecosystems of our oceans. Compounding the issue is the exponential growth in plastic sedimentation, doubling every 15 years.
The breakdown of plastic by sunlight, wind, waves, and heat results in smaller particles that closely resemble food to marine life, including plankton, bivalves, fish, and even whales. The pervasive nature of this issue is reflected in the discovery of microplastics in 114 aquatic species, with over half of them making their way into the human food chain.
In light of these distressing findings, there is an urgent need to address and remediate the source of the problem: the rivers responsible for the majority of plastic pollution. Cleaning these rivers is imperative to curbing the influx of microplastics into our oceans and mitigating the far-reaching ecological and health consequences associated with this global challenge.
Plastic influx:
Each year, approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans. This problem is worsening, with plastic sedimentation doubling every 15 years.
Environmental Breakdown:
The combined forces of sunlight, wind, waves, and heat break down plastic into smaller particles that closely resemble food to marine life, including plankton, bivalves, fish, and even whales.
Microplastics in Aquatic Life:
Researchers have detected microplastics in 114 aquatic species, with over half of these contaminants eventually reaching our dinner plates.
Validation of the Principle
After pinpointing the issue, the next crucial step was confirming the principle statement: "To make a product that spins and forms a whirlpool in a fluid, filtering out degraded plastic particles." This validation process was vital for gathering the essential details needed to kickstart the creative thinking phase. We delved into how things, both living and not, interact with fluids, focusing on rotation and filtration aspects. This exploration provided a solid foundation, helping us understand the ins and outs of developing a product that not only swirls around in a fluid but also effectively filters out degraded plastic particles.
Ideation
The project started with finding the opportunity area, the first thing we did was to create different scenarios we could work on. The broader topics were taken from “ Sustainable development goals of United Nations”. The 4 major categories we looked into were: Affordable and Clean energy, Life on land, Life below water, Good health and wellbeing.
Then taking on fo the scenario and creating a problem solution set. The process goes like writing a problem, then answering the question why does it matter, the ideating a solution for it
The Lily Impeller designed by PAX Scientific, a California-based technology firm, creates spiraling flows to move fluid. The same strategy — using vortices — is employed by birds in flight and schools of fish. The importance of this spiralling design is that it allows fluid to flow with reduced friction, minimizing the energy needed to move material from one point to another.
Lily Impeller-inspired turbine blades
Final Product
The Collector is a unique device designed to collect degraded micro and mesoplastics, which can range from 10cm to 5mm in size. This device works by creating a vortex that pulls in the fluid containing both fish and microplastics. The bin section of the Collector is equipped with protrusions and a filter that effectively traps the microplastics and prevents them from escaping.
Working
Parts
Detailing
The design of the turbine blades draws inspiration from the Lily Impeller, incorporating a golden spiral for efficient rotation with minimal energy consumption. Taking cues from nature, the addition of bumps on the blades mimics the principles of shark skin, reducing drag and optimizing fluid dynamics. Inside the turbine, strategically placed protrusions serve a dual purpose, both inspired by nature and addressing a critical issue. These protrusions act as filters, trapping degraded plastic as the fluid passes through, contributing to a solution for plastic pollution. This innovative design not only enhances the turbine's performance but also actively addresses environmental concerns by capturing and containing micro and mesoplastic particles.
Pitch video
In the pitch video for "The Collector," I explain how the product works, highlighting its key features and functions. The video provides a straightforward overview of the product's design and operational efficiency, emphasizing its role in addressing plastic pollution while optimizing energy consumption.
