The plastic compactor
This is a brief video summarising the purposes and benefits of this device. The video also shows the testing of the prototype. The compactor works by using an electro-pneumatic circuit to compress the plastic.
For more detail, please visit the About page, which features the entire E-Portfolio, telling the story of the production of the EcoBuilder Plastic Compactor prototype.
Problems that EcoBuilder aims to solve
Clearing up the Earth
Plastic is non-biodegradable, therefore if it isn't incinerated or recycled, it just ends up clogging landfill. In August of 2019, I was rowing with my grandma on the Tisza river in Hungary, and we saw accumulations of plastic waste at various points in the river. Plastic pollution has been ignored for far too long and as a result, it has built up everywhere. The EcoBuilder would use a bottom-up approach by giving the consumers control, and therefore responsibility. Rather than relying on the recycling system, they will be able to directly see how their plastic is being reused.
Saving sea creatures
Evidence suggests that corals have started feeding on plastic, even though it has bacteria on it (which is fatal to them). This is just one of the many ways that plastic pollution in the ocean can harm sea creatures. If we extend the lifespan of discarded plastic by giving it a use, then less plastic will end up in the oceans annually.
Producing building materials
There are many places in the world where people don't have access to safe housing (e.g. the favelas in Rio) or competent building materials. I saw a trend of people starting to make eco-bricks by stuffing plastic waste into plastic water bottles. However, these bricks wouldn't be stable enough to use for larger building projects, and are more aimed at DIY projects. However, plastic cinderblocks made by ByFusion are very strong and they have been tested in places prone to earthquakes (e.g. New Zealand) and have not shown signs of strain or degradation. They are continuously being improved to ensure that they meet international building material regulations.
How it works
There is a master switch (the black switch) to turn the whole circuit on (a master switch ensures that a circuit is not constantly consuming power). When the circuit is on, a yellow LED will glow. You press a button which uses an electric pulse to activate the normally closed 3/2 solenoid valve on the right. The solenoid then lets air pass through the valve into the back part of the cylinder. Pressure is exerted on the plunger, pushing it forward and extending the ram. When you press the button to extend the ram, a green LED will light up. If you want to retract the ram, you press the other button, which activates the normally closed 3/2 solenoid valve on the left. Air is then fed into the front part of the cylinder. Pressure is again exerted on the plunger, but this time the plunger is being pushed backwards, causing the ram to retract as a result. When the ram retracts, a red LED will glow.