Waste collecting device and surfing device comprising same

Abstract

The invention provides waste collecting equipment for collecting waste in a water body. The waste collection apparatus includes a floating body device and a waste collection device coupled to the floating body device. The floating body type device comprises a plurality of floating body type units. Each of the floating body units includes a base and a cylinder connected to the base, and the density of the base is greater than the density of the cylinder.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 316,339 filed on May 12, 2023, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 18 / 152,246 filed on January 10, 2023, and claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 375,256 filed on September 12, 2022, which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to a waste collection device for collecting waste in a water body and a surfer comprising the same. Moreover, the waste collection device can also be used as a floating platform for installing a wind power generation device. Background Art

[0004] Every year, a large amount of waste enters open water bodies (including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, etc.). The accumulation of waste may cause serious harm to the environment and animal life. Therefore, it is very important to collect and remove waste from water bodies. The present application provides related waste collection equipment and a surfboard including the same. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present application, a waste collection device for collecting waste in a water body is provided. The waste collection device includes a floating device and a waste collection device coupled to the floating device. The waste collection device includes a fluid injection element, and the fluid flowing out of the fluid injection element flows toward a space for collecting waste.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fluid ejection element includes a first section and a second section, and the angle between the first section and the second section is in the range of 70 degrees to 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional area of ​​the first section is different from the second cross-sectional area of ​​the second section. In some embodiments, the fluid ejection element is a tube. In some embodiments, the waste collection device also includes a waste collection bag having an opening. In some embodiments, the waste collection device includes an attachment element attached to the waste collection bag, and the density of the attachment element is greater than the density of the waste collection bag. In some embodiments, the waste collection device also includes a waste collection container, and the waste collection bag is coupled to the waste collection container. In some embodiments, the waste collection container includes a plurality of side walls, and at least one of the side walls includes a plurality of holes for allowing water to flow through. In some embodiments, the waste collection device also includes a suspension unit, the waste collection bag is coupled to the suspension unit, and the waste collection bag is moved up and down by the suspension unit so that the waste collection bag is located in the waste collection container, or the waste collection bag is removed from the waste collection container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the waste collection device further comprises a transport unit, and the waste collection container or waste collection bag is moved by the transport unit. In some embodiments, the transport unit comprises a lifting fence. In some embodiments, the transport unit comprises a motor and a transport assembly connected to a rotating shaft of the motor. In some embodiments, the waste collection device further comprises an inlet unit having a plurality of blades, and a flow path is formed between the blades. In some embodiments, the blades can rotate around a rotation axis, and the flow direction of the water flow is different from the rotation axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, the waste collection device further comprises a collecting element, and the fluid flowing out of the fluid injection element flows toward the inner space of the collecting element. In some embodiments, the waste collection device further comprises a track, and the fluid injection element is disposed on the track to slide smoothly. In some embodiments, the floating device comprises a base structure and two shell structures connected to the base structure, wherein a plurality of continuous side walls of the two shell structures are inclined.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, a bodysurfing device is provided, which comprises the waste collection device described above and an underwater device, wherein the underwater device is coupled to the waste collection device and is located below the waste collection device.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present application, a waste collection device for collecting waste in a water body is provided. The waste collection device includes a floating device, a waste collection device, and a wind power generation device. The floating device includes a plurality of floating units. The waste collection device is coupled to the floating device. The wind power generation device is coupled to the floating device. Each of the floating units includes a base and a column connected to the base, and the density of the base is greater than the density of the column. In some embodiments, the waste collection device also includes a frame arranged on the floating unit and used to connect the floating units to each other, wherein the wind power generation device is mounted on the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present application can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description and examples and referring to the attached drawings. It should be noted that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the size of the various features may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced, and the various features may be schematically drawn.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a waste collection device according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 2 is a side view of a waste collection device according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 3Aas well as Figure 3B is a perspective view of one of the floating units according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a waste collection device having a frame and fixing elements according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a waste collection device with a reinforced frame according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another waste collection device having a different number of floating units according to some embodiments.

[0018] Fig. 7A as well as Figure 7B is a perspective view of a waste collection device according to some embodiments, wherein waste collection bags are located at different positions.

[0019] Fig. 8A as well as Figure 8B is a perspective view of a waste collection device according to some embodiments, wherein the waste collection container is located at different positions.

[0020] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 is a perspective view of a waste collection device having different numbers and configurations of collecting elements and fluid ejection elements according to some embodiments.

[0021] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a waste collection device with a conveyor belt according to some embodiments.

[0022] Fig.13 as well as Fig.14 is a perspective view of a waste collection device with an anchor according to some embodiments.

[0023] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a waste collection facility with a building according to some embodiments.

[0024] Fig.16 as well as Fig.17 is a perspective view of another waste collection device according to some embodiments.

[0025] Fig.18 is a perspective view of a waste collection device with a balancing element according to some embodiments.

[0026] Fig.19is a perspective view of a waste collection device having a waste collection bag, a guide element, and a fluid injection element according to some embodiments.

[0027] Fig. 20A as well as Fig. 20B is a bottom perspective view of a waste collection device having fluid ejection elements in different configurations according to some embodiments.

[0028] Fig.21 , Fig. 22 , Fig.23 , Fig.24A , Fig. 24B , Fig.25A , Fig.25B , Fig.26 , Fig.27A , Fig.27B is a perspective view of other waste collection equipment according to some embodiments.

[0029] Fig.28 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating how a waste collection apparatus may be coupled to an underwater device according to some embodiments.

[0030] Fig.29 as well as Fig.30 It is shown how a waste collection facility can be used as a floating platform with a wind power generation device installed thereon according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the present application. Ordinal numbers in this specification and claims, such as "first", "second", etc., do not have a sequential order relationship, and are only used to mark and distinguish two different elements with the same name. Therefore, the "first element" referred to in the specification may be referred to as the "second element" in the claims. In addition, similar and / or corresponding symbols may be used in different examples of the present application. Similar and / or corresponding symbols are used to clearly describe some embodiments of the present application and do not represent any relationship between different embodiments and / or different structures.

[0032] Spatially relative terms such as "above", "below", etc. may be used in this specification to describe the positional relationship of one element relative to another element. In addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, these spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device can be turned to different orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the relative spatially relative terms used herein can be interpreted in the same way. If the device in the drawings is turned upside down, the element "above" will become the element "below".

[0033] In this specification, the terms "including" and / or "having" are open-ended terms and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to...". Therefore, when the application describes the terms "including" and / or "having", it specifies the existence of corresponding features, regions, steps, operations and / or components, but does not exclude the existence of one or more corresponding features, regions, steps, operations and / or components. In addition, there may be deviations between any two values ​​or any two directions.

[0034] The present application provides a waste collection device 100 suitable for floating in water. The waste to be collected may include any garbage, scum, sludge. In addition, the waste to be collected may be solid waste, liquid waste or semi-solid waste, such as plastic or oil spills. Please refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 . The waste collection device 100 includes a floating device 200 and a waste collection device 300 coupled to the floating device 200. The floating device 200 includes a plurality of floating units 210. Each of the floating units 210 includes a base 211 and a column 212 connected to the base 211. In addition, the column 212 is connected to the top portion of the base 211, and the entire base 211 and a portion of the column 212 are below the water level. It should be noted that the floating device 200 can be any device that can be floated in water. In some embodiments, the floating device 200 can be a ship. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 300 represents a space formed between the floating devices 200, and this space can be used to collect and accommodate waste. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 300 includes an element close to the floating unit 210, and this element can be specifically used to collect and accommodate waste.

[0035] The waste collection device 100 may bob up and down. To prevent the waste collection device 100 from tipping over, the water level is designed to be in a specific interval of the height of the waste collection device 100. To ensure that the water level is in the specific interval of the height of the waste collection device 100, the density of the base 211 is greater than the density of the column 212, so the center of gravity of the waste collection device 100 is relatively low to ensure that the waste collection device 100 is stable. For example, most of the time, the center of gravity 210C of each of the floating units 210 may be below the water level.

[0036] Next, please refer to Figure 3A as well as Figure 3BIn some embodiments, the base 211 and the column 212 may include steel, aluminum, reinforced concrete (RC), steel reinforced concrete (SRC), fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), or a combination of the foregoing materials. In some embodiments, the base 211 and the column 212 are manufactured in the same process, and the base 211 and the column 212 are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the base 211 and the column 212 are manufactured in different processes, and then the base 211 and the column 212 are assembled.

[0037] In some embodiments, the base 211 is solid and the column 212 is hollow, so that the density of the base 211 is greater than the density of the column 212 (because the density is calculated as mass divided by volume), however, the structure of the base 211 and the column 212 is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the base 211 may be a disc-shaped structure, and the column 212 may be a cylindrical structure. In some embodiments, in order to reduce the resistance caused by the water flow, the column 212 is a cylindrical structure. In some embodiments, the base 211 is replaced with a metal chain fixed to the column 212. In some embodiments, the disc-shaped base 211 may include an inclined peripheral portion extending downward. In some embodiments, the base 211 and / or the column 212 may include a balancing element 215. The balancing element 215 helps the floating unit 210 maintain balance in the water. In some embodiments, the balancing element 215 may extend around the base 211 and / or the column 212. In some embodiments, the balancing element 215 may be a fin. In some embodiments, the balancing element 215 may be called a bilge keel.

[0038] In some embodiments, the diameter D1 of the base 211 is greater than the diameter D2 of the column 212. In some embodiments, the diameter D1 of the base 211 is about 5.0 meters to about 7.0 meters, for example, about 6.0 meters. In some embodiments, the diameter D2 of the column 212 is about 3.0 meters to about 5.0 meters, for example, about 4.0 meters. In some embodiments, the height H of each of the floating units 210 is about 6.0 meters to about 9.0 meters, for example, about 7.0 meters or about 8.0 meters. In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent bases 211 on the long side of the waste collection device 100 is about 0.5 meters to about 4.0 meters, for example, about 1.0 meters, about 2.0 meters, about 3.0 meters. In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent bases 211 on the short side of the waste collection device 100 is about 1.0 meters to about 5.0 meters, for example, about 2.0 meters or about 4.0 meters.

[0039] In some embodiments, the floating device 200 may include a waterproof element 213. The waterproof element 213 is disposed at the connection between the column 212 and the base 211. The waterproof element 213 may include silicon. Figure 3A In the embodiment, the waterproof element 213 is disposed on the outer surface of the column 212 (e.g., by coating), however, the waterproof element 213 may also be disposed on the inner surface of the column 212. In some embodiments, the amount of the waterproof element 213 disposed on the outer surface of the column 212 is greater than the amount of the waterproof element 213 disposed on the inner surface of the column 212. In some embodiments, the floating device 200 may include a bulk element 214 disposed in the column 212. The bulk element 214 may include expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polypropylene (EPP), etc. The bulk element 214 may have a relatively low density, so the overall weight of the floating unit 210 will not change much. The volume of the bulk element 214 may be substantially the same as the volume of the interior of the column 212. The waterproof element 213 and the bulk element 214 can prevent water from entering the interior of the floating unit 210. Therefore, the service life of the floating unit 210 can be extended.

[0040] In some embodiments, there may be a weight difference between different floating units 210. Therefore, in some embodiments, a floating unit 210 that is lighter than other floating units 210 may include a counterweight (not shown), and the counterweight may be disposed inside the column 212 or on the base 211. The counterweight may include cement or metal. In some embodiments where the counterweight is made of cement, the counterweight may be directly cast into the inside of the column 212, or the counterweight may be formed separately. In some embodiments where the counterweight is made of metal, the counterweight may be formed separately. In some embodiments, a counterweight having a separately formed structure may be attached to the column 212 or the base 211 by an adhesive material. In some embodiments, a counterweight having a separately formed structure may be disposed in a receiving portion (e.g., a groove or recess) formed in the corresponding floating unit 210. For example, the receiving portion may be formed on the top surface of the base 211 or inside the column 212. The counterweight may enhance the stability of the waste collection device 100.

[0041] Since each of the floating units 210 can be manufactured by the same process, the stability of the waste collection equipment 100 can be ensured by standardizing the manufacturing of the floating units 210. In addition, due to standardization, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0042] There are various methods for connecting the floating units 210 to each other. Figure 4In some embodiments, the floating device 200 may include a frame 220 and a plurality of fixing elements 230. The frame 220 and the fixing elements 230 may be used to connect the floating units 210 to each other.

[0043] The frame 220 may include a metal, such as aluminum or iron. The frame 220 may be formed by welding. For example, the frame 220 may be a skeleton frame, and different rows of the frame 220 may be connected to each other by welding. The frame 220 may be treated to prevent corrosion. In some embodiments, the frame 220 is a grid structure having a plurality of hollow portions 221. In some embodiments, a material such as foamed polystyrene or foamed polypropylene may be filled in the hollow portions 221 so that the frame 220 is approximately a cuboid. In some embodiments, material is filled in some hollow portions 221, and material is not filled in the remaining hollow portions 221.

[0044] In some embodiments, the waste collection device 100 may include a power supply unit 400 for supplying power to the waste collection device 100 or a building 500 (to be discussed below), and the power supply unit 400 may be disposed in one of the hollow portions 221 of the grid-shaped structure frame 220. For example, the power supply unit 400 may be a battery that generates current and may be electrically connected to the floating unit 210 to supply power to the waste collection device 100 or the building 500. Other elements may also be disposed in the hollow portion 221.

[0045] The fixing element 230 may be a bolt, a screw, etc. The frame 220 is connected to the floating unit 210 via the fixing element 230. In some embodiments, the frame 220 contacts the upper surface of the column 212. Figure 4 In FIG. 2 , only some fixing elements 230 are shown, however, other fixing elements 230 may also be present for the remaining floating units 210 .

[0046] Next, please refer to Figure 5 In addition to the frame 220, the floating device 200 may further include a reinforcement frame 240. The reinforcement frame 240 may include the same material as the frame 220. The reinforcement frame 240 may strengthen the connection between the floating units 210. In some embodiments, the reinforcement frame 240 contacts the outer surface of the column 212 and the top surface of the base 211 (eg, Figure 5 For the convenience of explanation, Figure 5 In FIG. 2 , only one fixing element 230 is shown, however, there may also be other fixing elements 230 for the remaining floating units 210 .

[0047] It should be noted that the arrangement and number of the floating units 210 are not limited to this. Figure 6 , to understand another waste collection device 100A having a different number of floating units 210. Because the number of floating units 210 is different, the frame 220A used to connect the floating units 210 to each other is also different in structure. The arrangement and number of the floating units 210 can be adjusted based on actual needs. For example, the floating units 210 of the waste collection device 100 and the floating units 210 of the waste collection device 100A are both arranged symmetrically, however, in some other embodiments, the floating units 210 may be arranged asymmetrically. For example, if a larger space for collecting waste is required, some floating units 210 may be omitted.

[0048] Next, please refer to Fig. 7A as well as Figure 7B In some embodiments, the waste collection device 300 includes a suspension unit 310, a waste collection bag 320 coupled to the suspension unit 310, and a waste collection container 330 disposed between some of the floating units 210. The suspension unit 310 is disposed above the frame 220. The suspension unit 310 may include a support bracket 311, a motor, and a suspension component, and the suspension component is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor and the waste collection bag 320. The waste collection bag 320 includes an opening 321, and the direction of the opening 321 can be changed according to actual needs (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 ). Fig.19 ). The waste collection bag 320 may be moved up and down by the suspension unit 310. In detail, due to the movement (e.g., rotation) of the motor, the suspension assembly may be driven to lift the waste collection bag 320. In some embodiments, the waste collection bag 320 may be moved up and down by penetrating at least one of the hollow portions 221 of the frame 220. In detail, Fig. 7A In the embodiment, the waste collection bag 320 is located in the waste collection container 330, and in Figure 7B , the waste collection bag 320 is removed from the waste collection container 330 .

[0049] The waste collection bag 320 may be made of an elastic material. When the waste collection bag 320 is located in the waste collection container 330, the waste collection bag 320 may be compressed and kept in place. In some embodiments, an attachment element made of a material having a density higher than that of the water body may be attached to the waste collection bag 320 and close to the opening 321. In this way, the waste collection bag 320 may be flattened out at the bottom of the waste collection container 330. In some embodiments, the waste collection container 330 includes a plurality of side walls 331, 332, 333, and the side wall 332 includes a plurality of holes. Therefore, when waste continues to accumulate in the waste collection container 330, water flow may still flow through the side wall 332 through the holes and carry the waste into the waste collection container 330.

[0050] In some embodiments, the waste collection device 100 may include a sensing device (not shown) for sensing the amount of waste collected and / or a control device (not shown) coupled to the sensing device. In some embodiments, if the sensing device detects that the amount of waste collected in the waste collection bag 320 is nearly full, a signal may be sent to the control device, and the operator may decide whether to remove the waste collection bag 320 from the waste collection container 330. In some embodiments, if the sensing device detects that the amount of waste collected in the waste collection bag 320 is nearly full, a signal may be sent to the hanging unit 310, and the hanging unit 310 may directly remove the waste collection bag 320 from the waste collection container 330. In some embodiments, the signal sent by the sensing device may be information displayed on the control device. In some embodiments, the sensing device may be a camera, and may send an image of the amount of waste collected in the waste collection bag 320 to the control device. The operator may decide whether to remove the waste collection bag 320 from the waste collection container 330 based on the display screen of the control device. In some embodiments where the waste collection bag 320 is provided, the waste collection bag 320 may be tied tightly after being removed from the waste collection container 330 so that waste does not escape. Also, the waste collection bag 320 may be transported to a recycling plant.

[0051] Next, please refer to Fig. 8A as well as Figure 8B In some embodiments, the waste collection device 300 includes a suspension unit 310, a waste collection container 330A coupled to the suspension unit 310, and an inlet unit 340. Fig. 8A In the embodiment, the waste collection container 330A corresponds to the inlet unit 340, and in Figure 8B, the waste collection container 330A is moved upward and no longer corresponds to the inlet unit 340. The waste collection container 330A can be moved up and down by the suspension unit 310. The inlet unit 340 may include a plurality of wall surfaces, and flow paths are formed therein. In some embodiments, a plurality of blades may be provided in the inlet unit 340 to form a flow path. The waste collection container 330A is placed at the end of the flow path to collect waste flowing through the flow path. Due to the rotation of the blades, more water flow may be generated to allow more waste to flow into the waste collection device 100. In some embodiments, the blades may rotate around a rotation axis, and the flow direction of the water flow is different from the rotation axis. For example, the flow direction of the water flow may be perpendicular to the rotation axis around which the blades rotate. The waste collection container 330A may be similar to the waste collection container 330. In some embodiments, no hole is formed in at least one of the side walls of the waste collection containers 330, 330A. It should be noted that the waste collection container 330 may also be used for Fig. 8A as well as Figure 8B In the illustrated embodiment, the waste collection device 100 may include a sensing device (not shown) for sensing the amount of collected waste. If the sensing device detects that the amount of collected waste in the waste collection container 330A is nearly full, a signal may be sent to the suspension unit 310 to move the waste collection container 330A upward.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 9 to 11 In some embodiments, the waste collection device 300 may include one or more collecting elements 350 and one or more fluid injection elements 360. The collecting element 350 may be disposed near the floating unit 210. For example, the collecting element 350 may be disposed between the floating units 210. The fluid injection element 360 may be coupled to the base 211, the column 212, or the frame 220. The waste collection bag 320 and the collecting element 350 may be referred to as a waste collection element, which has a space for collecting and accommodating waste.

[0053] The collection element 350 can be used to collect and hold waste, thereby improving collection efficiency. In some embodiments, the interior of the collection element 350 is divided into different areas for waste classification. For example, plastic, metal, and glass may be separated from each other due to differences in density. In some embodiments, in order to make it easier for waste to flow into the collection element 350, the collection element 350 can be tilted relative to the floating device 200, and the water level is slightly higher than the lower edge of the front side of the collection element 350. In some embodiments, the tilt of the collection element 350 can be adjusted according to the water level.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fluid ejection element 360 is a tube. The fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element 360 flows along a predetermined path toward a space for collecting waste (e.g., the internal space of the collecting element 350). Due to Bernoulli's principle, the fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element 360 can generate a reduced pressure in the surrounding water flow, so the surrounding water flow near the predetermined path also flows into the waste collection device 100 along the predetermined path. Therefore, the water flow rate flowing into the waste collection device 100 increases, so that the amount of waste flowing into the waste collection device 100 also increases. In some embodiments, the fluid ejection element 360 is a curved pipe, including a first section 361 and a second section 362 connected to the first section 361. In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional area of ​​the first section 361 is different from the second cross-sectional area of ​​the second section 362. For example, the first cross-sectional area of ​​the first section 361 can be greater than the second cross-sectional area of ​​the second section 362 to further increase the flow rate of the water flowing out of the fluid ejection element 360, thereby increasing the amount of waste flowing into the waste collection device 100. In some embodiments, the angle 360A between the first section 361 and the second section 362 is between 70 degrees and 110 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] In some embodiments, the angle of the fluid ejection element 360 and the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element 360 can be adjusted to improve the collection efficiency. In some embodiments where a sensing device is provided to sense the amount of waste, if the sensing device detects that a large amount of waste is approaching the waste collection device 100, a signal is sent to the fluid ejection element 360 to increase the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element 360. If the sensing device detects that only a small amount of waste is approaching the waste collection device 100, a signal is sent to the fluid ejection element 360 to reduce the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element 360 or to turn off the fluid ejection element 360 to save energy.

[0056] The number and arrangement of the collecting elements 350 and the fluid ejecting elements 360 can be changed. Figures 9 to 11As shown, one or more collecting elements 350 and one or more fluid ejecting elements 360 may be disposed near the floating unit 210, for example, on the opposite side of the floating unit 210 or below the floating unit 210. For example, one or more collecting elements 350 may be disposed on one side of the column 212 or below the base 211. The collecting elements 350 located at different positions may be used to collect waste at different depths, and different types of waste may exist at different depths. For example, the collecting element 350 disposed on one side of the column 212 may be used to collect waste near the horizontal plane, such as bottles. The collecting element 350 disposed below the base 211 may be used to collect waste below the water level, such as fishing nets. The waste collection device 100 may include a suction pump (not shown). The suction pump may be disposed above the frame 220, the base 211, or the column 212. The suction pump may extract external water or air through the suction pipe and supply the external water or air to the fluid ejection element 360 through the supply pipe.

[0057] Please refer to Fig.12 In some embodiments, the waste collection device 300 may include a conveyor belt 370. The conveyor belt 370 may be placed in a space for collecting waste (e.g., between the floating units 210), and the conveyor belt 370 may transport the waste. In some embodiments, the conveyor belt 370 is coupled to the frame 220, and the frame 220 may temporarily store the collected waste. In some embodiments, a waste storage unit (not shown) may be coupled to the conveyor belt 370 to temporarily store the collected waste.

[0058] Please refer to Fig.13 as well as Fig.14 In order to prevent the waste collection device 100 from moving far away (e.g., being hit by currents or waves), in some embodiments, the waste collection device 100 may include an anchor 450. The anchor 450 may be attached to the frame 220, or the anchor 450 may be attached to at least one of the floating units 210.

[0059] Please refer to Fig.15 In some embodiments, the building 500 can be constructed on the floating unit 210 and the frame 220. The frame 220 can distribute the weight of the building 500. The building 500 can be a building, an entertainment facility, a gym, etc. The building 500 can include solar panels. In some embodiments where solar panels are provided, the energy generated can be supplied to different devices or elements of the waste collection device 100, for example, for operating the fluid injection element 360 or the conveyor belt 370.

[0060] In order to ensure that the center of gravity of the waste collection device 100 is relatively low to ensure that the waste collection device 100 is stable, the density of the base 211 is greater than the density of the building 500. For example, the building 500 is made of expanded polystyrene or expanded polypropylene, and the base 211 and the column 212 are made of cement. In some embodiments, the number of floating units 210 is determined according to the size and weight of the building 500. For example, if the building 500 is relatively large, a larger number of floating units 210 may be required.

[0061] In some embodiments, an external water flow can be utilized, for example, to provide the external water flow to the waste collection device 100. For example, the building 500 may include a toilet (not shown), and the external water flow may be used to flush the toilet. For example, the building 500 may include a cooling system (not shown), and the waste collection device 100 may include a suction pump (not shown). The suction pump may extract the external water flow through suction and supply the external water flow to the cooling system to reduce the temperature of the building 500. In some embodiments, the suction pump that provides the external water flow to the fluid ejection element 360 may also simultaneously provide the external water flow to the building 500 on the waste collection device 100.

[0062] It should be noted that the features of the various embodiments described above may be arbitrarily combined with each other. For example, the combination of the inlet unit 340 and the conveyor belt 370 may effectively increase the amount of waste flowing into the waste collection device 100 .

[0063] Please refer to Fig.16 as well as Fig.17 , another waste collection device 600 is provided. The waste collection device 600 includes a floating device 700 and a waste collection device 800 coupled to the floating device 700. The floating device 700 includes a plurality of floating units 710. Each of the floating units 710 includes a base 711 and a column 712 connected to the base 711. The floating device 700 may also include a platform 720 connected to the column 712. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 800 represents a space formed between the floating units 710, and this space can be used to collect and accommodate waste. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 800 includes an element close to the floating unit 710, and this element can be specifically used to collect and accommodate waste. In some embodiments, the base 711 and the column 712 are hollow, and the stabilizing element 7111 is disposed in the base 711. In some embodiments, the base 711 , the column 712 , and the platform 720 are made of fiber reinforced plastic, and the stabilizing element 7111 is made of cement, so that the center of gravity of the waste collection device 600 is relatively low to ensure that the waste collection device 600 is stable.

[0064] Next, please refer to Fig.18 . The base 711 may include a balancing element 715A, 715B, or 715C. The balancing element 715A, 715B, or 715C helps the floating unit 710 maintain balance in the water. The balancing element 715A protrudes from the base 711. The balancing element 715B is a fin that protrudes from a portion of the base 711. The balancing element 715C surrounds a portion of the base 711. In some embodiments, the balancing element 715A, 715B, or 715C may be referred to as a bilge keel. The arrangement, quantity, and inclination angle of the balancing elements 715A, 715B, or 715C may be adjusted according to actual needs, for example, according to the damping force required by the floating device 700.

[0065] Next, please refer to Fig.19 , Fig. 20A , Fig. 20B In the present embodiment, the waste collection device 800 includes a mounting unit 810 and a waste collection bag 820. The waste collection bag 820 is coupled to the mounting unit 810. If the amount of waste collected in the waste collection bag 820 is nearly full, the operator may lift the waste collection bag 820 relative to the mounting unit 810 (for example, by operating a boat including a lifting device) to remove the waste collection bag 820 from the mounting unit 810. In addition, the waste collection device 800 may also include two guide elements 880. The distance between the guide elements 880 decreases along the flow path of the water flow, thereby guiding the waste to the waste collection bag 820. In some embodiments, each of the guide elements 880 is wall-shaped.

[0066] In addition, in order to improve the collection efficiency, the waste collection device 800 may also include one or more fluid injection elements 860. The fluid injection element 860 is located on the bottom surface of the platform 720. The waste collection device 600 may include a suction pump (not shown). The suction pump may be disposed above the platform 720. The suction pump may extract external water flow through the suction pipe and supply the external water flow to the fluid injection element 860 through the supply pipe. Fig. 20A In FIG. 8 , there are arrays of fluid ejection elements 860 along the flow path of the water stream. Fig. 20B In the embodiment, there is only one set of fluid ejection elements 860, but the fluid ejection elements 860 are disposed on the track 890, so the fluid ejection elements 860 can slide smoothly. For example, if the sensing device senses a large amount of waste, a signal can be sent to the fluid ejection elements 860, and the fluid ejection elements 860 can be moved to a place where a large amount of waste has accumulated.

[0067] Next, please refer to Fig.21, another waste collection device 1000 is provided. The waste collection device 1000 includes a floating platform 1100 and a plurality of branch units 1200 connected to the floating platform 1100. The waste collection device 1000 may also include a collecting element 1350 disposed below the floating platform 1100. A building 1500 may be built on the floating platform 1100. Each branch unit 1200 includes a bottom plate 1210 and a column 1220 connected to the bottom plate 1210. The branch unit 1200 may help the waste collection device 1000 to be more stable and may prevent the waste collection device 1000 from capsizing. For the waste collection device 1000, the water level is designed to be within a specific interval of the height of the column 1220. In order to ensure that the water level is within a specific range of the height of the column 1220, the density of the bottom plate 1210 is greater than the density of the column 1220, so the center of gravity of the waste collection device 1000 is relatively low to ensure that the waste collection device 100 is stable.

[0068] Next, please refer to Fig. 22 , another waste collection device 1600 is provided. The waste collection device 1600 includes two substrates 1710 and a plurality of columns 1720 connected to the substrates 1710. The entirety of each of the substrates 1710 and a portion of the columns 1720 may be below the water level. The space between the substrates 1710 may be used to collect and hold waste. In some embodiments, the density of the substrates 1710 is greater than the density of the columns 1720. In some embodiments, there may be cavities in the substrates 1710 or the columns 1720. In some embodiments, there may be air-filled balls in the substrates 1710 or the columns 1720. The balls may be made of plastic, but the material of the balls is not limited thereto.

[0069] Next, please refer to Fig.23 , another waste collection device 2000 is provided. The waste collection device 2000 includes a base 2100 and a plurality of columns 2200. In this embodiment, the base 2100 is in a platform shape.

[0070] Next, please refer to Fig.24A as well as Fig. 24B, another waste collection device 2600 is provided. The waste collection device 2600 includes a floating device 2700 and a waste collection device 2800 coupled to the floating device 2700. The floating device 2700 includes a base structure 2710 and two shell structures 2720 connected to the base structure 2710. The base structure 2710 may be platform-shaped. In some embodiments, the construction and material of the base structure 2710 may be similar to the construction and material of the two shell structures 2720. In some embodiments, there may be cavities or spaces in the base structure 2710 and the two shell structures 2720. In some embodiments, the base structure 2710 and the two shell structures 2720 may include steel, aluminum, cement, reinforced concrete, steel-reinforced concrete, fiber-reinforced plastic, or a combination of the foregoing materials, or the base structure 2710 and the two shell structures 2720 may also include foamed polystyrene or foamed polypropylene, etc., embedded in steel, aluminum, cement, reinforced concrete, steel-reinforced concrete, fiber-reinforced plastic, etc. In some embodiments, the base structure 2710 and the two shell structures 2720 are integrally formed by the same manufacturing process, thereby reducing the cost.

[0071] In some embodiments, the waste collection device 2600 has a uniform density. In other words, the density of the base structure 2710 is substantially the same as the density of the two shell structures 2720. In some embodiments, the density of the base structure 2710 is less than the density of the two shell structures 2720 to ensure that the center of gravity of the waste collection device 2600 remains sufficiently low. The composition and density of the base structure 2710 and the two shell structures 2720 can be arbitrarily adjusted according to actual needs (e.g., the center of gravity of the waste collection device 2600, or the distance between the bottom surface of the base structure 2710 and the water level).

[0072] In some embodiments, a plurality of continuous side walls of the two-shell structure 2720 are inclined. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 2600 can be used in relatively small bodies of water and / or in water streams with fewer heavy waves and with a specific direction of flow, such as rivers or streams. In some embodiments, the two-shell structure 2720 can be fixed to a riverbed or streambed. When water flows through the interior of the waste collection device 2600, the drag forces in the water are reduced due to the two-shell structure 2720. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 2600 is buoyant in the water body, and an anchor (e.g., anchor 450) can be attached to the waste collection device 2600 to fix the waste collection device 2600.

[0073] In some embodiments, the waste collection device 2800 may include a transport unit 2810, a waste collection bag 2820, and two fluid ejection elements 2860, and the fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element 2860 flows toward the waste collection bag 2820 for collecting waste. It should be noted that the waste collection bag 2820 may be disposed in a waste collection container (e.g., the waste collection container 330), and the waste collection container and / or the waste collection bag 2820 may be moved by the transport unit 2810. Depending on actual needs, the transport unit 2810 may move the waste collection container and / or the waste collection bag 2820 horizontally or vertically. In some embodiments, the transport unit 2810 may include a lifting fence, a motor, and a transport assembly connected to a rotating shaft of the motor. Due to the movement (e.g., rotation) of the motor, the transport assembly may be driven to move the waste collection container and / or the waste collection bag 2820 via the lifting fence. In other embodiments, the waste collection container and / or the waste collection bag 2820 may be moved from the transport assembly by a vessel having a lifting device.

[0074] Next, please refer to Fig.25A as well as Fig.25B , another waste collection device 3000 is provided. The waste collection device 3000 includes a floating device 3100 and a waste collection device 3200 coupled to the floating device 3100. In this embodiment, the floating device 3100 may be a catamaran (i.e., two ships coupled to each other). Therefore, any catamaran that is not in operation can be utilized, thereby increasing the applicability of the catamaran. The waste collection device 3200 may represent a space formed between the catamarans. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 3200 may further include two fluid injection elements 3360.

[0075] Next, please refer to Fig.26 , another waste collection device 3600 is provided. The waste collection device 3600 includes a floating device 3700 and a waste collection device 3800 coupled to the floating device 3700. The floating device 3700 includes a plurality of floating units 3710 and a frame 3720 for connecting the floating units 3710 to each other. In the present embodiment, there are four floating units 3710, but the number of floating units 3710 is not limited thereto. The floating unit 3710 is a columnar structure. In some embodiments, in order to reduce the resistance caused by the water flow, the floating unit 3710 is a cylindrical structure. The waste collection device 3800 may represent a space formed between the floating units 3710. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 3800 may further include two fluid injection elements 3860. With Figure 6 Compared to the illustrated embodiment, in this embodiment, the space for collecting waste is larger.

[0076] Next, please refer to Fig.27A as well as Fig.27B , another waste collection device 4000 is provided. The waste collection device 4000 includes a floating device 4100 and a waste collection device 4200 coupled to the floating device 4100. The floating device 4100 includes a platform 4110, two columns 4120, and two bases 4130. The platform 4110 is connected to the base 4130 via the columns 4120. The waste collection device 4200 may represent a space formed between the platform 4110, the columns 4120, and the base 4130. In some embodiments, the waste collection device 4200 may further include a transport unit 4310, a waste collection bag 4320, and two fluid ejection elements 4360. In this embodiment, because the platform 4110 and the columns 4120 can serve as barriers, the collected waste is more likely to accumulate in the waste collection device 4000.

[0077] Next, please refer to Fig.28 .like Fig.28 As shown, according to some embodiments, a wave surfer 4400 is provided. The wave surfer 4400 includes a waste collection device 3000 and an underwater device 4410. In some embodiments, the underwater device 4410 may include a plurality of fins 4411 and a connecting element 4412. The underwater device 4410 is coupled to the waste collection device 3000 and is below the waste collection device 3000. The underwater device 4410 may be coupled to the floating device 3100 and / or the waste collection device 3200 via the connecting element 4412. The wave surfer 4400 may provide propulsion and / or convert wave energy into thrust, thereby sailing in the water. Therefore, the water flow rate flowing into the waste collection device 3000 increases, so that the amount of waste flowing into the waste collection device 3000 also increases. It should be noted that the waste collection device 3000 is merely an example, and other waste collection devices, for example, the waste collection devices 100 , 600 , 1000 , 1600 , 2000 , 3600 , 4000 may also be included in the bodysurfing device 4400 .

[0078] Next, please refer to Fig.29 as well as Fig.30 The waste collection equipment may be a floating platform with a wind power generation device 4500 installed thereon. Fig.29 As shown, the wind power generation device 4500 is installed on the top surface of the waste collection equipment 100. Fig.30As shown, the wind power generation device 4500 is installed on the base structure 2710 of the waste collection device 2600. It should be noted that the waste collection devices 100 and 2600 are only examples, and other waste collection devices, such as waste collection devices 600, 1000, 1600, 2000, 3600, and 4000, can also be used as floating platforms with the wind power generation device 4500 installed thereon.

[0079] Based on the present application, a waste collection device for collecting waste in a water body is provided. The waste collection device includes a floating device, and the floating device includes a plurality of floating units. Each of the floating units can be manufactured by the same process, because the stability of the waste collection device can be guaranteed by standardizing the manufacturing of the floating units. In addition, due to standardization, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Each of the floating units includes a base and a column connected to the base. The density of the base is greater than the density of the column, so the center of gravity of the waste collection device is relatively low to ensure that the waste collection device is stable. It should be noted that the floating device can be any device that can be floated in water. That is, in some embodiments, the floating device may not include a plurality of floating units. In addition, different devices or elements (e.g., waste collection containers, suspension units, collection elements, conveyor belts, etc.) can be further used to collect and accommodate waste. In addition, buildings can be built on the floating units, so the waste collection device can have a wider applicability. Furthermore, the waste collection equipment can be used as a floating platform with a wind power generation device installed thereon.

[0080] The features of several embodiments are summarized above so that those skilled in the art can better understand the various aspects of the present application. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present application can be easily used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same purpose and / or have the same effect as the embodiments described herein. It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that such equivalent configurations do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present application, and various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. In addition, the scope of the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments described in this specification, and the combination of various claims and embodiments falls within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A waste collection device, characterized in that: Used to collect waste from water bodies, including: A floating device comprising a plurality of floating units; and a waste collection device coupled to the floating device; Each of the plurality of floating units includes a base and a column connected to the base, and a density of the base is greater than a density of the column.

2. The waste collection facility of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of each of the plurality of floating units is below the water level of the body of water.

3. The waste collection device of claim 1, wherein the base and the column comprise steel, aluminum, reinforced concrete, steel-reinforced concrete, fiber-reinforced plastic, or a combination of the foregoing materials.

4. The waste collection equipment according to claim 1, wherein the floating device further comprises a waterproof element, and the waterproof element is arranged at a connection between the column and the base.

5. The waste collection device of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is hollow, the base is solid, and a diameter of the base is greater than a diameter of the cylinder.

6. The waste collection equipment according to claim 5, wherein the floating device further comprises a counterweight block, and the counterweight block is arranged in the column or on the base.

7. The waste collection equipment according to claim 5, wherein the floating device further comprises a block element, the block element is disposed in the column, and the block element comprises expanded polystyrene or expanded polypropylene.

8. The waste collection equipment of claim 1, wherein the floating device further comprises a frame, the frame connecting the plurality of floating units to each other.

9. The waste collection device of claim 8, wherein the frame is a grid-like structure.

10. The waste collection device according to claim 9, further comprising a power supply unit, wherein the power supply unit is disposed in the hollow portion of the grid-shaped structure.

11. The waste collection equipment according to claim 8, wherein the floating device further comprises a plurality of fixing elements, and the frame is connected to the plurality of floating units via the plurality of fixing elements.

12. The waste collection device of claim 8, wherein the frame contacts an upper surface of the column.

13. The waste collection equipment according to claim 12, wherein the floating device further comprises a reinforcement frame, and the reinforcement frame contacts the outer surface of the column.

14. The waste collection facility of claim 8, further comprising a building, wherein the building is constructed on the frame.

15. The waste collection facility of claim 14, wherein the density of the substrate is greater than the density of the building.

16. The waste collection facility according to claim 14, wherein the number of the plurality of floating units is determined according to the size and weight of the building.

17. The waste collection facility according to claim 14, further comprising a suction pump, wherein a cooling system is provided on the building, and the suction pump extracts an external water flow by suction and supplies the external water flow to the cooling system to reduce the temperature of the building.

18. The waste collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the waste collection device comprises a fluid ejection element, and the fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element flows toward a space for collecting waste.

19. The waste collection equipment according to claim 18, further comprising a suction pump coupled to the floating device, wherein the suction pump extracts an external water flow by suction and supplies the external water flow to the fluid ejecting element.

20. The waste collection facility of claim 1, wherein: Also included is a sensing device for sensing the amount of waste collected.

21. A waste collection device, characterized in that: Used to collect waste from water bodies, including: Floating platform; A plurality of branch units connected to the floating platform; and A waste collection device is arranged below the floating platform; Each of the plurality of branch units includes a column and a bottom plate connected to the column, and a density of the bottom plate is greater than a density of the column.

22. A waste collection device, characterized in that: Used to collect waste from water bodies, including: Floating units; and The waste collection device is coupled to the floating device, wherein the waste collection device includes a fluid ejection element, and the fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element flows toward a space for collecting waste.

23. The waste collection device of claim 22, wherein the fluid ejection element comprises a first section and a second section, and a first cross-sectional area of ​​the first section is different from a second cross-sectional area of ​​the second section.

24. The waste collection device of claim 22, wherein the fluid ejection element is a tube.

25. The waste collection facility of claim 22, wherein the waste collection device further comprises a waste collection bag having an opening.

26. The waste collection apparatus of claim 25, wherein the waste collection device comprises an attachment element attached to the waste collection bag, and the attachment element has a density greater than the density of the waste collection bag.

27. The waste collection apparatus of claim 25, wherein the waste collection device further comprises a waste collection container, and the waste collection bag is coupled to the waste collection container.

28. The waste collection facility of claim 27, wherein the waste collection container comprises a plurality of side walls, and at least one of the plurality of side walls comprises a plurality of holes for allowing water to flow therethrough.

29. The waste collection equipment according to claim 27, wherein the waste collection device further comprises a suspension unit, the waste collection bag is coupled to the suspension unit, and the waste collection bag is moved up and down by the suspension unit so that the waste collection bag is located in the waste collection container, or the waste collection bag is removed from the waste collection container.

30. The waste collection equipment according to claim 22, wherein the waste collection device further comprises a transport unit and a waste collection container or a waste collection bag coupled to the transport unit, and the waste collection container or the waste collection bag is moved by the transport unit.

31. The waste collection facility of claim 30, wherein the handling unit comprises a lifting fence.

32. The waste collection device of claim 30, wherein the transport unit comprises a motor and a transport assembly connected to a rotating shaft of the motor.

33. The waste collection equipment according to claim 22, wherein the waste collection device further comprises an inlet unit having a plurality of blades, and a flow path is formed between the plurality of blades.

34. The waste collection apparatus of claim 33, wherein the plurality of blades are rotatable about a rotation axis, and a flow direction of the water flow is different from the rotation axis.

35. The waste collection apparatus of claim 22, wherein the waste collection device further comprises a collecting element, and the fluid flowing out of the fluid ejection element flows toward an inner space of the collecting element.

36. The waste collection equipment according to claim 22, wherein the waste collection device further comprises a track, and the fluid ejecting element is disposed on the track to slide smoothly.

37. The waste collection equipment according to claim 22, wherein the floating device comprises a base structure and two shell structures connected to the base structure, wherein a plurality of continuous side walls of the two shell structures are inclined.

38. A waste collection device, characterized in that: Used to collect waste from water bodies, including: A floating device, comprising a plurality of floating units; a waste collection device coupled to the floating device; and A wind power generation device coupled to the floating device; Each of the plurality of floating units includes a base and a column connected to the base, and a density of the base is greater than a density of the column.

39. The waste collection facility according to claim 38, further comprising a frame provided on the plurality of floating units and used to connect the plurality of floating units to each other, wherein the wind power generation device is mounted on the frame.

40. A surfboard, characterized in that: include: The waste collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 39; as well as The underwater device is coupled to the waste collection device and is located below the waste collection device.

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