Tustin High School InvenTeam

Device to remove gum from school floors
Computing and Telecommunications

Tustin, California
2016-2017

The Tustin High School InvenTeam invented a device to remove chewing gum from sidewalks and other concrete surfaces. The device incorporates an electric heating element to heat the gum, a biodegradable chemical solvent to loosen the bond between the gum and concrete, and a brass brush to mechanically remove the gum without damaging the concrete. Each piece of gum is removed in 30 seconds. The device has a similar form factor as a household vacuum cleaner and it draws up to 275 amps from an AC wall outlet.