Automated Recyclable Container Repository with Remotely Actuated Hatches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for handling recyclable materials, such as containers and bottles, are inefficient and costly due to manual sorting and storage at designated recycling premises, which can deter customer participation and increase operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

An automated repository system with remotely actuated hatches and a user interface that allows for secure, unmanned depositing of recyclable materials into compartments, managed by a central controller that determines capacity and directs users to available spaces, enabling efficient storage and remote monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sorting and storage is used at designated recycling premises, then containers can be processed and refunded, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The recycling system is divided into separate functional components: remote deposit locations with automated storage compartments are segmented from central processing facilities. Containers are deposited at distributed automated locations and then transported in bulk to processing centers, separating the deposit function from the sorting and refund functions. This segmentation enables parallel processing and eliminates the need for manual handling at deposit points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automated storage system enables self-service recycling where containers are automatically received, stored, and tracked without human intervention at the deposit location. The system autonomously manages container intake, compartment allocation, and secure storage, allowing customers to complete the deposit process independently through automated interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If manual sorting and storage is used at recycling premises, then containers can be managed, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational costVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated mechanical and electronic systems. The automated storage system uses motorized actuators, electronic controllers, and sensor networks to replace manual sorting, storage, and tracking operations. This substitution reduces labor costs and operational expenses while maintaining or improving processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If remote automated storage is implemented, then customer convenience improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated storage system performs multiple functions within a single integrated platform: receiving containers from multiple customers, automatically sorting by type and condition, storing in designated compartments, tracking inventory, and enabling bulk transport. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity through integration while providing comprehensive services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated storage system acts as an intermediary between customers and processing facilities. It receives containers from customers at remote locations, manages secure storage, and then transfers containers to processing centers in organized batches. This intermediary function simplifies the customer experience while systematically managing the complexity of coordination between deposit points and processing facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If hatches are remotely actuated for secure storage, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the locking mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional manual locking mechanisms are replaced with remotely actuated electronic locking systems. The hatches are controlled by motorized actuators that can be opened and closed remotely through an electronic control system, eliminating the need for physical keys or manual locking operations. This substitution enhances security through remote control capabilities while reducing the complexity of mechanical locking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11263598B2Automated repository for recyclable containers and method for unmanned operation thereof

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 YELLOW ENVIRONMENTAL INC

AI summary

A system for depositing of recyclable articles includes an internally-compartmented structure. The compartments are accessed through hatches which are selectively closed with covers. The system includes a user-operated kiosk which controls operation of the covers in response to user information and the degree to which the compartments are filled with recyclable articles. The kiosk includes a display for directing the user to deposit the articles into specific compartments and a user interface for entry and display of user-specific information.