Modular waste collection and storage facility

Abstract

A modular waste collection and storage device that includes the following: i) a platform 101 positioned on a solid surface and installed with a circular plate 102 via a telescopically operated rod 103, wherein a suction cup 104 is attached below the platform 101 to secure the platform 101 to the solid surface; ii) an infrared (IR) sensor positioned on the platform 101 to detect the presence of a user near the platform 101, wherein a microcontroller connected to the IR sensor activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 mounted on the platform 101 and paired with a processor to capture and process multiple images of the user or to detect the user's height, wherein the microcontroller actuates the rod 103 to extend it in order to position the plate 102 at an optimal height from the surface; iii) a hollow cylindrical body 106 installed at the top of the plate 102 and designed to hold waste inside the body 106, wherein a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor is configured on the body 106 and synchronized with the imaging unit 105 to detect a waste projectile thrown by the user towards the body 106; iv) a curved element 107 connected to the apex of the body 106 via a motorized hinge joint 108, wherein the microcontroller, based on the detected projectile of the discarded waste, actuates a motorized circular slider 109 installed between the plate 102 and the body 106 to rotate the body 106 around the plate 102 in order to position the body 106 in an optimal position, and wherein the microcontroller synchronously actuates the hinge joint 108 to tilt the element 107 in order to unfold it inside the body 106; and v) an electronic nozzle 110 connected to a chamber 111 containing liquid fragrance and installed on the body 106, wherein the microcontroller detects an unpleasant odor from the collected waste via an odor sensor positioned on the body 106, and the microcontroller activates the nozzle 110 to release the liquid fragrance into the environment to eliminate the unpleasant odor.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular garbage collection and storage device capable of efficiently collecting and storing the garbage discarded by a user, allowing monitoring of the amount of garbage collected, and also helping to release a liquid fragrance into the environment to eliminate the unpleasant odor emanating from the garbage. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The world's population is growing, and resource consumption is also reaching new peaks every day. Therefore, the waste left over from these resources has been increasing rapidly in recent years. Generally, this garbage from households, businesses, or other sources is thrown into a garbage can by the user. To reduce garbage, liquid and solid waste are collected in different containers. Most business owners also use garbage cans to collect the waste. All the garbage is collected, piled up, and then taken to a recycling facility. Garbage beans are heavy and contain many waste products. This makes transporting these beans always a problem.

[0003] Traditionally, the garbage bins are placed outdoors for the user to throw the garbage into. While throwing the garbage into the garbage bins, the user faces the problem that the height of the garbage bin is higher than the user or much lower than the user as the user has to bend down to dispose of the garbage. Also, sometimes people are in a hurry and just throw the garbage into the garbage bin. In these cases, the garbage gets spilled around the garbage bins, which causes hygiene problems. A team of workers checks the garbage bins whether they are full of garbage or not and lifts all the garbage bins and then collects them in a larger garbage bin. However, this procedure is not effective and always poses a challenge for the workers.Nowadays, a side-loading garbage truck is used to lift garbage cans, making it easier to transport garbage. However, this device is unable to detect the dimensions of the garbage can. These problems can be easily solved with the use of advanced devices such as the current invention.

[0004] CN106429101B discloses a household garbage collection device that automatically classifies a type, comprising: a control cabinet, the exterior of which is equipped with a display screen and a barcode scanner; the interior of the control cabinet is equipped with a control system; a bracket is mounted on the side of the control cabinet; a plurality of garbage bins are placed side by side on the bracket; and the top of each garbage bin is equipped with a housing cover that can open or cover the garbage bin; and a drive device; a plurality of drive devices are each connected to a housing cover to control and open or close the garbage bin; the control system includes: a memory module; a PC control system is connected to the memory module, display screen, and barcode scanner, respectively; and a lower-level control system; it is connected to the PC control system, weighing sensor, and drive device, respectively.The device can be used for automatic waste classification and can improve user awareness and knowledge of classification. CN'01B discloses a household waste collection device for efficiently collecting and storing waste. However, the above-mentioned invention is not capable of efficiently collecting and storing the waste discarded by a user by enabling real-time monitoring of the amount of collected waste and accordingly notifying the relevant authority to dispose of the collected waste.

[0005] CN201678211U relates to a device that allows household garbage to be emptied directly from the stairs. A trash can with a pipe connection is installed under the foot of a staircase. The trash can is connected to a pipe leading upwards. A garbage inlet is arranged in a branched manner in each stairwell through an obliquely angled T-connection. Users can place garbage directly into an oval trash basket with a handle and the ability to filter water, and the garbage is poured from the basket into the garbage inlet. CN201678211U discloses a household garbage collection device for efficiently collecting and emptying garbage. However, the aforementioned invention lacks the ability to detect the garbage projectile thrown by the user, so it automatically rotates and tilts to convey the garbage inside, preventing it from spilling into the surrounding area, and avoiding unpleasant noises emanating from the garbage.

[0006] Currently, there are many devices capable of collecting and storing garbage. However, these devices are unable to efficiently collect and store the garbage discarded by a user by enabling real-time monitoring of the amount of collected garbage and accordingly notifying the relevant authority to dispose of the collected garbage. These devices also do not assist in adjusting the height of the device to allow the user to discard the garbage correctly.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need to develop a device capable of providing the user with an outdoor means of collecting and storing the garbage discarded by a user, eliminating the unpleasant odor of the stored garbage. The proposed device is also capable of monitoring the weight of the collected garbage live and, accordingly, notifying the appropriate authority to dispose of the collected garbage. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to develop a device capable of efficiently collecting and storing the garbage discarded by a user by enabling real-time monitoring of the amount of collected garbage and accordingly notifying the competent authority to dispose of the collected garbage.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of detecting the user's height and adjusting the height accordingly so that the user can throw the garbage properly.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of detecting a garbage projectile thrown by the user, automatically rotating and tilting to disperse the garbage inside and preventing the garbage from spilling into the surrounding area.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a reliable device capable of releasing a liquid fragrance into the environment to eliminate an unpleasant odor from the garbage and to rid the environment of the unpleasant odor.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a modular waste collection and storage device capable of efficiently collecting and storing waste while eliminating the unpleasant odor emanating from the environment. Furthermore, the proposed device notifies the relevant authority of the excess weight of collected waste and initiates its disposal.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a modular garbage collection and storage device comprises a platform positioned on a fixed surface and installed with a circular plate via a telescopically operated rod; a suction cup mounted under the platform to secure the platform to the fixed surface; an infrared (IR) sensor positioned on the platform to detect the presence of a user near the platform; a microcontroller connected to the IR sensor activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the platform and paired with a processor to capture and process multiple images of the user to detect the user's height; a hollow cylindrical body mounted on the top of the plate and designed to contain garbage inside the body;a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor configured on the body to detect a garbage projectile thrown by the user toward the body, and a curved element connected to the vertex of the body via a motorized hinge joint to tilt it with regard to the distribution of the garbage within the body.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a motorized circular slider installed between the plate and the body to rotate the body around the plate to position the body in an optimal position, a motorized pin joint configured between the body and the circular slider to provide multi-axis rotational movement of the body to facilitate tilting of the body for proper collection of the discarded waste within the body, an odor sensor positioned on the body to detect any unpleasant odor from the collected waste, an electronic nozzle connected to a chamber containing liquid fragrance and attached to the body to release the liquid fragrance into the environment to eliminate the unpleasant odor, a level sensor,which is embedded in each of the chambers to detect the level of liquid fragrance in the chamber, a computing unit to notify the authorities to refill the chamber if a lower level than detected is detected, and a weight sensor attached to the body to detect the weight of the collected waste.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0018] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of a modular waste collection and storage facility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description comprises the preferred best mode of carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. From this description of the invention, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0021] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to only the singular.

[0022] The present invention relates to a modular garbage collection and storage facility that can be installed outdoors and collects and stores garbage discarded by a user, eliminating the unpleasant odor of the stored garbage. The proposed device is also capable of detecting the weight of the collected garbage and notifies the relevant authority accordingly to dispose of the collected garbage.

[0023] In Fig.An isometric view of a modular waste collection and storage device is shown, comprising a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface and connected to a circular plate 102 via a telescopically operated rod 103, a suction cup 104 mounted beneath the platform 101, and an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 mounted on the platform 101, a hollow cylindrical body 106 attached to the tip of the plate 102, a curved element 107 connected to the tip portion of the body 106 via a motorized hinge joint 108, a motorized circular slider 109 mounted between the plate 102 and the body 106, an electronic nozzle 110 connected to a chamber 111 attached to the body 106, and a motorized pin joint 112.which is arranged between the body 106 and the circular slide 109.,

[0024] The proposed device consists of a platform 101 positioned on a rigid surface and connected to a circular plate 102 via a telescopically actuated rod 103. The platform 101 is cast from high-strength materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboid shape, providing ample space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. The platform 101 is constructed of robust and durable materials, including, but not limited to, stainless steel and aluminum. These materials provide rigidity and robustness to the platform 101, making it resistant to mechanical stress and pressure.

[0025] The platform 101 is attached to a suction cup 104 to fix the platform 101 to the solid surface. The suction cup 104 uses atmospheric pressure to attract and hold the platform 101 in place on the solid surface. The suction cup 104 consists of a circular disc made of a flexible material, usually rubber, with a rounded edge. When the pressure exerted by the weight of the platform 101 at the center of the disc, a concave shape is created. When the cup 104 is pressed against the solid surface, a negative pressure is created in the cup 104. This negative pressure causes the cup 104 to strongly adhere to the solid surface, further attaching the platform 101 to the solid surface.

[0026] After the platform 101 is attached to the solid surface, an infrared (IR) sensor mounted on the platform 101 begins to detect the presence of a user near the platform 101. The IR (infrared) sensor works by detecting infrared radiation emitted by an infrared transmitter into the vicinity of the platform 101. The sensor includes an IR transmitter that emits a beam of infrared light and a detector that receives the reflected or emitted radiation. The reflected radiation is quickly bounced back when the radiation hits the user. The infrared sensor converts this data into an electrical signal, which is processed by a microcontroller connected to the IR (infrared) sensor to detect the user's presence near the platform 101.

[0027] When the user's presence is detected, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105, which is mounted on the platform 101 and coupled to a processor, to capture and process multiple images of the user or to detect the user's height. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 used here incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities, enabling immediate reactions and faster decision-making. The imaging unit 105 captures images or videos of the user using special lenses. The captured data is preprocessed and fed into AI protocols for analysis. These protocols use machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data.This collected data is processed by the processor, and then the microcontroller analyzes the processed data to detect the user's height.

[0028] Depending on the determined height, the microcontroller extends rod 103 to position plate 102 at the optimal height from the surface. Rod 103 is connected to a pneumatic unit comprising an air compressor, an air cylinder, air valves, and a piston. The air compressor used here draws in air from the surrounding area and increases the pressure by reducing the air volume. The air compressor draws in atmospheric air and compresses it to a high pressure. The compressed air is then fed into the cylinder through an outlet pipe via a valve. The compressed air in the cylinder pushes the piston, which extends rod 103 to position plate 102 at the optimal height from the surface.

[0029] After the plate 102 is positioned at the optimal height from the surface, a hollow cylindrical body 106 is attached to the top of the plate 102 to contain the garbage inside the body 106. A LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor is mounted on the body 106 and is synchronized with the imaging unit 105 to detect a garbage projectile thrown by the user toward the body 106. The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) emits fast laser pulses in a sweeping motion toward the garbage thrown by the user. These pulses travel through the air and interact with the thrown garbage. When the laser pulses hit the thrown garbage, the laser bounces off the surface of the garbage. The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the constantly moving garbage and back to the sensor.This data is sent to the microcontroller, which, using the data from the imaging unit 105, detects the waste projectile 106 thrown by the user onto the body.

[0030] The body 106 is also connected to a curved element 107 via a motorized hinge 108. Based on the detected projectile of the thrown garbage, the microcontroller actuates a motorized circular slider 109 installed between the plate 102 and the body 106 to rotate the body 106 around the plate 102 to position the body 106 in an optimal position. The circular slider 109 consists of a pair of circular sliding rails provided with grooves in which the wheel of a slider 109 is positioned, which is also connected to a bidirectional motor via a shaft.The microcontroller controls the bidirectional motor to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, which assists the rotation of the shaft. The shaft converts electrical energy into rotational energy to enable the wheel to move along the circular slide rail by firmly gripping the grooves. The movement of the slider 109 causes the body 106 to rotate around the plate 102 to position the body 106 in the optimal position.

[0031] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the hinge joint 108 to tilt the element 107 to deploy the waste within the body 106. The motorized hinge joint 108 consists of a pair of vanes bolted to the surfaces of the body 106 and the element 107. The vanes are connected by a cylindrical element 107, into which a shaft is integrated, which is coupled to a DC motor to impart the required movement to the hinge. The clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the shaft assists in opening and closing the hinge, respectively. The microcontroller thus actuates the hinge, which in turn tilts the element 107 to distribute the waste inside the body 106.

[0032] Additionally, a motorized pin joint 112 is configured between the body 106 and the circular slider 109 to impart multi-axis rotational movement to the body 106 to facilitate tilting of the body 106 for proper collection of discarded trash within the body 106. The motorized pin joint 112 is a mechanical component that facilitates movement between connected elements. The pin joint 112 consists of a pin that serves as the axis of rotation and is supported by bearings to reduce friction. The pin joint 112 is driven by a motor that imparts rotational movement to the pin. When activated, the pin joints 112 enable controlled movement to tilt and orient the housing 106 to enable multi-axis rotational movement of the housing 106, thus facilitating tilting of the housing 106 for proper collection of discarded trash within the housing 106.

[0033] After ensuring that the garbage has been distributed inside the housing 106, the microcontroller activates an odor sensor positioned on the housing 106 to detect any unpleasant odor emanating from the collected garbage. The odor sensor detects the presence of unpleasant odors from the collected garbage when odor molecules encounter the sensor's surface. The change in chemical properties creates an electrical resistance, which is measured when the sensor is exposed to odors. The chemical sensors in the odor sensor have a sensitive layer that converts a chemical interaction into a unique signal pattern that is transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the signal pattern and determines the presence of an unpleasant odor from the collected garbage.

[0034] If an unpleasant odor is detected from the collected garbage, the microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 110, which is connected to a chamber 111 containing liquid fragrance and is installed on the housing 106, to release the liquid fragrance into the environment and eliminate the unpleasant odor. The electronic nozzle 110 operates using electrical energy to automate the flow of the solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a liquid into kinetic energy, which increases the velocity of the liquid fragrance. When the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 110, the electric motor or pump pressurizes the incoming liquid fragrance, significantly increasing the pressure. In this way, the electronic nozzle 110 disperses the liquid fragrance into the environment and eliminates the unpleasant odor.

[0035] At the same time, a level sensor is embedded in each of the chambers 111, which detects the level of liquid fragrance in the chamber 111. The level sensor consists of an infrared (IR) transmitter and a photodiode. The sensor detects the level of liquid fragrance in the chamber 111 by measuring the intensity of the infrared light reflected back by the photodiode. The received intensity of the infrared light is then sent to the microcontroller in the form of an electrical signal. The microcontroller processes the detected electrical signal and determines the level of liquid fragrance remaining in the chamber 111.

[0036] As soon as the detected fill level falls below a threshold, the microcontroller sends an alert to a computing unit to notify the authorities to refill chamber 111. The microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the computing unit via a communication module that includes, among other things, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module, and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication module used here acts as an intermediary between the computing unit and the microcontroller. The custom Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) module establishes a wireless connection between the computing unit and the microcontroller.This module is capable of receiving serial data from radiation monitoring devices such as the computing unit and transmitting the data to the microcontroller to send an alert to the computing unit and notify the authorities to refill Chamber 111.

[0037] In addition, a weight sensor is installed on the housing 106 to detect the weight of the collected waste. The weight sensor consists of a coiled membrane and a sensor module. Due to the weight of the collected waste, the size of the membrane changes, which is detected by the sensor module. The sensor module detects the deflection of the membrane size. Based on the changes in the membrane size, the weight of the collected waste is calculated as a signal, which is sent to the microcontroller.

[0038] The microcontroller processes the collected data and detects the weight of the collected waste. If the detected weight exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller generates a wireless notification on the processing unit, which is accessed by the relevant authority and wirelessly connected to the microcontroller via the communication module, to notify the authority to dispose of the collected waste.

[0039] Finally, a battery is connected to the device to power the electrically powered components used within it. The battery consists of a pair of electrodes called the cathode and anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation / reduction to perform work on the charge and generate a voltage between the anode and cathode, thus generating electrical energy that is used to perform work in the device.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101, as disclosed in the invention, is positioned on the fixed surface and installed with the circular plate 102 via the telescopically operated rod 103. After placing the platform on the fixed surface, the suction cup 104 adheres to the fixed surface, connecting the platform 101 to the fixed surface. Upon activation of the device, the infrared (IR) sensor detects the presence of the user near the platform 101. Upon detecting the user's presence, the associated microcontroller activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 to capture the user's height.Based on this size, the microcontroller operates the rod 103 to extend it and position the plate 102 at an optimal height from the surface of the hollow cylindrical body 106, which is installed at the top of the plate 102 and designed to contain garbage inside the body 106. The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor then detects the garbage projectile thrown by the user toward the body 106. Based on the detected projectile of thrown garbage, the microcontroller operates the motorized circular slider 109 to rotate the body 106 around the plate 102, positioning the body 106 at the optimal position using the motorized pin joint 112. At the same time, the microcontroller controls the hinge joint 108 to tilt the element 107 so that it can unfold inside the body 106.If the microcontroller detects an unpleasant odor from the collected waste via the odor sensor, the microcontroller activates the nozzle 110 to release the liquid fragrance into the environment to eliminate the unpleasant odor. While the liquid fragrance is being released into the environment, the fill level sensor continuously monitors the liquid fragrance level in the chamber 111. Once the detected fill level falls below a threshold, the microcontroller sends an alert to the processing unit to notify the authorities to refill the chamber 111. The weight sensor then detects the weight of the collected waste. If the detected weight exceeds the threshold, the microcontroller sends a wireless notification to the processing unit, which the relevant authority accesses, to notify the authority to dispose of the collected waste.

[0041] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 106429101B

[0004] CN 201678211U

[0005]

Claims

[1] A modular waste collection and storage device comprising: i) a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface and installed with a circular plate 102 via a telescopically operated rod 103, with a suction cup 104 mounted below the platform 101 to fix the platform 101 to the fixed surface; ii) an infrared (IR) sensor positioned on the platform 101 to detect the presence of a user in the vicinity of the platform 101, wherein a microcontroller connected to the IR sensor activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 mounted on the platform 101 and paired with a processor to capture and process multiple images of the user or to detect the user's height, wherein the microcontroller actuates the rod 103 to extend it to position the plate 102 at an optimal height from the surface; iii) a hollow cylindrical body 106 installed at the top of the plate 102 and designed to contain garbage inside the body 106, wherein a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor is configured on the body 106 and synchronized with the imaging unit 105 to detect a garbage projectile thrown by the user towards the body 106; iv) a curved element 107 connected to the apex of the body 106 via a motorized hinge 108, wherein the microcontroller, based on the detected projectile of the thrown waste, actuates a motorized circular slider 109 installed between the plate 102 and the body 106 to rotate the body 106 around the plate 102 to position the body 106 in an optimal position, and wherein the microcontroller synchronously actuates the hinge 108 to tilt the element 107 to deploy it inside the body 106; and v) an electronic nozzle 110 connected to a chamber 111 containing liquid fragrance and installed on the body 106, wherein the microcontroller detects an unpleasant odor from the collected waste via an odor sensor positioned on the body 106, the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 110 to release the liquid fragrance into the environment to eliminate the unpleasant odor. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a motorized pivot joint 112 is disposed between the body 106 and the circular slider 109 to impart multi-axis rotational movement to the body 106 to facilitate tilting of the body 106 for proper collection of the discarded waste within the body 106. [3] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is installed on the body 106 to detect the weight of the collected garbage, and if the detected weight exceeds a weight threshold, the microcontroller generates a wireless notification to a computing unit accessible to a concerned authority to notify the authority to dispose of the collected garbage. [4] The device of claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded in each of the chambers 111 to detect the level of liquid fragrance in the chamber 111, and once the detected level falls below a threshold, the microcontroller sends an alert to the computing unit to notify the authorities to refill the chamber 111. [5] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the telescopically actuated rod 103 is connected to a pneumatic unit including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves, and a piston that cooperate to assist in extending and retracting the rod 103. [6] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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