Anti Clogging Kitchen Sink Strainer

What it does

The Anti Clogging Kitchen Sink Strainer uses water pressure to power a Pelton wheel and mechanical blade that automatically clears food waste, preventing clogs without electricity or manual cleaning.

Your inspiration

We noticed that traditional sink strainers often clog easily and require frequent manual cleaning. This led us to design a self-cleaning, water-powered solution that keeps the kitchen hygienic, convenient, and eco-friendly — no electricity or chemicals needed.

How it works

The Anti Clogging Kitchen Sink Strainer is powered entirely by tap water. As water flows through the sink, it spins a curved Pelton wheel located beneath a stainless-steel filter. This rotational energy is transferred through gears to a rotating blade, which automatically sweeps food waste into a removable bin. The system is fully mechanical — no electricity needed — and keeps the strainer clean after each use. The strainer’s small mesh holes trap debris while letting water pass freely, preventing clogs and foul odours while maintaining hygiene and water flow.

Design process

We began by identifying the main problems with existing sink strainers: clogging, frequent manual cleaning, and poor hygiene. After market research and functional decomposition, we generated nine concept designs using morphological charts. Each concept was screened and scored against criteria like effectiveness, hygiene, self-cleaning, and ease of maintenance. Concept 3 was selected and refined into the final design. Prototypes were 3D-printed using PLA and tested with real kitchen debris. We improved the blade design, added a funnel for better water direction, and replaced the bevel gear with a spur gear to increase efficiency. The result is a durable, user-friendly, and sustainable strainer powered solely by water flow.

How it is different

Unlike traditional strainers that require manual cleaning or use electricity, the Anti Clogging Kitchen Sink Strainer operates entirely on water pressure. Its unique Pelton wheel mechanism powers a gear and blade system that automatically clears trapped food waste into a bin. The design is plug-and-play with standard sink fittings, self-cleaning, energy-free, and minimises bacterial buildup. Its use of sustainable materials, modular parts for easy maintenance, and sleek aesthetic sets it apart from typical strainers and food grinders, which are often noisy, costly, or maintenance heavy.

Future plans

We plan to explore lightweight materials like aluminum alloy to improve portability, and introduce antimicrobial coatings to boost hygiene. Future versions may include a debris level indicator or modular add-ons. Our goal is to patent the design and bring it to market as a reliable, sustainable kitchen essential.

Awards