Adaptive Waste Compaction Cycle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste compaction systems are energy-inefficient due to the constant use of compaction members, even when there is a minimal amount of waste, leading to increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for compacting waste that adapt the compaction cycle based on the sensed volume of waste, using a computer unit to select from pre-defined compacting cycles, optimizing the use of the compression member and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the compaction member operates continuously to compact waste, then the compaction effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the compaction cycle based on real-time waste volume detection. The computer unit receives signals from sensors monitoring waste volume and automatically selects appropriate compacting cycles from pre-defined options, transitioning the system from static continuous operation to dynamic adaptive operation that matches actual compaction needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (compaction cycle selection) based on detected waste volume conditions. Different compacting cycles are selected depending on the volume of waste present, allowing the system to optimize between compaction effectiveness and energy consumption by adjusting operational parameters to match actual workload conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the compaction member operates continuously, then the waste volume reduction is improved, but the operational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste volume reductionVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback control mechanism where sensors continuously monitor waste volume and feed this information to the computer unit. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the compaction operation by selecting appropriate cycles, ensuring compaction only occurs when waste volume justifies the energy expenditure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial compaction action by selecting from pre-defined compacting cycles that provide different levels of compression based on waste volume. When waste volume is low, less intensive or no compaction is applied, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still achieving adequate waste volume reduction when necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4241975B1Method and apparatus for compacting waste and vehicle comprising said apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 PALVI
  • EP4241975B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4241975B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4241975B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for compacting waste comprising the steps of: providing a receptacle having a loading area for receiving waste; loading waste on said loading area of said receptacle; providing a compression member for compacting the waste on said receptacle, said compression member being configured to execute a compacting cycle selected from a group of compacting cycles, in which said compression member is movable between a retracted position, an extended position and an intermediate position; sensing a volume of waste loaded in the receptacle with at least one sensor; determining a compacting cycle based on the sensed volume of waste; and executing said compacting cycle with the compression member. The present invention also discloses an apparatus for compacting waste and a vehicle comprising said apparatus for compacting waste.