Autonomous Trash Can Carrier With Ramp and Drive Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trash can transportation methods are manual, labor-intensive, and often difficult for individuals, especially those with physical limitations, as they require lifting and carrying heavy containers to the curb for collection, which can lead to injuries and is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous battery-operated trash can carrier with a drive module, steering functionality, and remote control capabilities, equipped with sensors and a ramp for easy loading and unloading, allowing for automated transportation of trash cans and recycle bins to the designated collection point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual carrying methods are used to transport trash cans to the curb, then the transportation task can be completed, but it requires significant physical effort and can cause injuries especially for individuals with physical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical carrying system with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors, motors, and control mechanisms. The robotic carrier autonomously navigates to the trash can, attaches to it, and transports it to the curb, eliminating the need for human physical effort and associated injury risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic carrier is designed to autonomously perform the entire transportation task without human intervention. It self-navigates using sensors, self-attaches to the trash can, self-transports it to the designated location, and self-docks for recharging, making the system fully self-service and eliminating manual labor.
2Speed
If wheelbarrow type devices are used to hold and transport trash cans, then movement is facilitated, but the user must still lift and push or pull the device which taxes strength and makes steering difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual wheelbarrow mechanical system with an autonomous robotic platform that uses sensors for navigation and motors for propulsion and steering. The robotic carrier independently handles all maneuvering tasks, eliminating the need for users to push, pull, or steer the device manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic carrier acts as an intermediary between the trash can and the user. Instead of the user directly interacting with the trash can or wheelbarrow, the robotic system mediates the transportation process by autonomously navigating, attaching to the trash can, and delivering it to the destination.
3Productivity
If conventional trash cans are placed outdoors for easy access by waste collection vehicles, then collection efficiency is improved, but odors and health concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic carrier serves as an intermediary that transports trash cans from indoor locations (garages, back doors) to outdoor collection points. This eliminates the need to store trash cans outdoors for extended periods, reducing odor and health concerns while still enabling efficient collection by waste management vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs preliminary transportation of trash cans to the curb before the scheduled collection time. This allows trash cans to be positioned ready for collection without being stored outdoors for prolonged periods, thus maintaining collection efficiency while minimizing exposure to outdoor environmental factors that cause odors and health issues.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The autonomous trash can carrier simplifies and streamlines the process of moving trash containers, reducing physical strain and effort, enabling safe and efficient transportation, even for those with mobility issues, by automating the movement to the collection point and returning for recharging.
Implementation Method 1
The power drive is battery powered and includes a motor that powers the pair of wheels on the one axle
Implementation Method 2
The power drive is battery powered and includes a motor that powers the pair of wheels
Implementation Method 3
The power drive is battery powered and includes a motor that powers the pair of wheels on the one axle
Data Source
AI summary
A battery operated trash can carrier (100) for holding and transporting one or more containers is provided. The trash can carrier (100) includes a frame (102) having a laterally facing ramp (106) defining an entry means adapted to slidably receive one or more containers on a platform (104). The trash can carrier (100) includes a wheel base, where the wheel base includes a pair of wheels on one axle (108-1) and another pair of wheels on second axle (108-2). The trash can carrier (100) further includes a detachable power drive (110), battery compartment (130), ramp control (124), electronics control module (126) and a steering control (128). The detachable power drive (110) coupled to the wheel base, to power the pair of wheels on the one of the axle (108-2) and to steer the pair of wheels on the other axle (108-2) to transport carrier from one place to another.