The Mechanics - Automated Drainage Cleaner.docx

DEFINITION OF PROBLEM Drainages are used to remove and control excess surface and sub-surface water runoff. They are constructed to ensure that waste water and sewage is transported neatly to disposal points, thereby keeping the environment free of waste. More often than not, these drainages are blocked with solid wastes such as plastics, nylon etc. As little as this problem is, the effects are catastrophic.

EFFECTS OF BLOCKED DRAINAGES •

Flood When water inundates land that is normally dry, this is called a flood. Although water is a necessity for living things, it can also be detrimental in situations like flooding. A flooded environment can lead to loss of lives and properties.

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Erosion The absence of good drainage systems can cause erosion problems. This has been experienced in many areas of Nigeria, where roads have been washed away and gullies created as a result of flooding

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Health Risks A cloaked drainage system poses serious risk to the health of both passers-by and residents of an area. Those with airborne allergies and asthma can experience severe irritation because of the clogs, especially when it is accompanied by odour. A cloaked drainage system also makes the people around susceptible to infections from mosquitoes and other insects.

IDEATION PROCESS Our aim was to design a machine that will effectively clean the drains with no or little human effort. The design consideration is based on the machine components:  Frame mount  Frame bed  Frame support  Bin  Collector jaw  Mesh  Shafts  Chain gears  Motor

 Belt and pulley

MAJOR COMPONENTS •

Collector Jaw The collector jaw was designed in respect to the traditional rake used to clean drainages. The claws were specifically designed to enable easy gripping of the solid wastes.

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Sprockets and Chains There are two (2) sprockets and chain drives on which the collector jaws are attached to. The tension on both chains are equal to the total forces acting on the collector jaws.

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Motor and belt drive There are two (2) sprockets and chain drives on which the collector jaws are attached to. The tension on both chains are equal to the total forces acting on the collector jaws.

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Shafts There are two (2) shafts, top and bottom shafts on which the sprockets and belt drives are attached to. Using the concept of sheer force and bending moment, a suitable diameter was gotten from both shafts after considering all forces acting on the shafts

CHALLENGES •

Material Selection The various components would have continuous contact with water with varying pH. Selection of the appropriate material for each components considering durability and cost poses to be a very big threat.

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Cost of Fabrication The cost of procurement of the various materials and components required for fabrication of a prototype is another issue as we are financially handicapped. Hence, a model was employed.

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Maintenance The cleaner would have to be operated and maintained regularly to ensure proper functioning.