Automated Cover for Waste Collection Bins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Waste collection vehicles experience littering due to wind blowing waste out of collection bins during transport, which is undesirable for customers and operators, and existing solutions do not effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
An automated cover system for waste collection bins that includes a vessel attached to a frame, a pivot system, and an actuator system, which can be activated to open and close the cover, preventing wind from entering and materials from being blown out, and can be manually operated without additional labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collection bin is left open during transport, then access to contents is easy, but wind blows waste out causing littering
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is automatically positioned to close the collection bin before transport begins and automatically opens when the vehicle arrives at the destination, based on detection of vehicle motion states. This preliminary action prevents littering during transport while ensuring easy access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motion sensors and control logic to detect whether the vehicle is in transport mode or stationary mode, automatically adjusting the cover position accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the cover closes during transport to prevent littering and opens when stationary for easy access.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an automated cover system is added to the collection bin, then littering is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system operates autonomously using onboard motion sensors and automated actuators to open and close the cover based on vehicle movement detection. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operation while preventing littering, and the system integrates with existing vehicle control infrastructure to minimize added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated cover system serves multiple functions: preventing littering during transport, protecting contents from weather elements, and potentially serving as a safety feature. By consolidating these functions into a single automated mechanism, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
3Ease of operation
If manual cover operation is required, then labor is needed, but automation can reduce labor
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system automatically detects vehicle motion through onboard sensors and autonomously opens or closes the cover based on whether the vehicle is in transport mode or stationary. This eliminates the need for operator intervention entirely, reducing labor requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of opening and closing the cover is replaced with an automated actuation system controlled by motion sensors and electronic control logic. This substitution eliminates manual labor while the system integrates with existing vehicle electrical systems to minimize complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes a novel collection bin for a waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes an automated cover system.