Autonomous Waste Bin Locking and Mobility for Secure Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste receptacles and collection services face challenges such as increased collection time, accidents due to difficult access, higher carbon emissions, identity theft risks, and litter from overturned bins.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous waste bin equipped with driving wheels, motors, a support wheel, a leveling mechanism, and communication modules, allowing it to move between storage and collection locations, lock securely, and communicate with waste collection vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If waste receptacles are left unsecured at pickup locations for easy access by collection vehicles, then collection efficiency is improved, but security against vandalism and identity theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waste receptacle incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The system uses sensors to detect the presence of collection vehicles and automatically unlocks the receptacle when a vehicle is detected, then relocks after the vehicle departs. This dynamic behavior allows the receptacle to maintain security during storage while enabling efficient access during collection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the presence of waste collection vehicles. When a vehicle approaches or is positioned at the receptacle, the sensor triggers the locking mechanism to unlock. After the vehicle moves away, the system detects this change and automatically relocks the receptacle. This feedback-based control resolves the contradiction by adapting the security state based on real-time operational conditions.
2Reliability
If residents position waste bins in difficult to access locations, then privacy and security of the bin are improved, but collection time and carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waste receptacle is equipped with autonomous capabilities including sensors, communication modules, and automated locking mechanisms. The receptacle can independently detect the presence of collection vehicles, communicate its location and status, and automatically unlock itself, eliminating the need for residents to manually position or access the bin. This self-service functionality allows the bin to be placed in secure, private locations while maintaining efficient collection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning and locking with automated electronic and sensor-based mechanisms. Collection vehicles use sensors and communication systems to locate and interact with receptacles automatically, eliminating the need for physical access by collection personnel to difficult-to-reach locations. This substitution reduces collection time while maintaining bin security and privacy.
3Reliability
If waste receptacles are secured to prevent vandalism, then security is improved, but access by waste collection vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, automatically transitioning between locked and unlocked states based on detected conditions. The receptacle remains locked during storage to prevent vandalism, but automatically unlocks when a collection vehicle is detected through sensors or communication protocols. This dynamic behavior ensures both security and ease of operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors that detect the presence and position of waste collection vehicles to control the locking mechanism. When the sensor detects a vehicle in the appropriate position, it triggers the unlock sequence. After the vehicle departs, the system relocks the receptacle. This feedback-based automation resolves the contradiction by making the receptacle secure by default while enabling easy access during collection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices, systems and methods related to automated waste management. Aspects of the present disclosure include devices, systems, and methods comprising an autonomous waste bin. The autonomous waste bin may include a first and second driving wheels connected to a base of a hollow receptacle. The autonomous waste bin may include a first and second driving motor connected to the first and second driving wheels respectively, the first and second driving motor configured to provide a driving force to the first and second driving wheels. The autonomous waste bin may include at least one controller in communication with the first and second driving motors, the at least one controller configured to control the movement of the autonomous waste bin, via the first and second driving wheels.