Remote Bin Status Monitoring for Waste Level and Collection Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household members are unaware of the waste level in kerbside bins, often forget to put them out for collection, and cannot detect if the bin is knocked over or the lid is open without direct visual observation, leading to missed collections and wildlife intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A device separate from the bin that measures waste level and bin status, transmitting this information to a display device via a network, which indicates the level, status, and collection pending time, using sensors, processors, and transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If household members directly observe the bin to check waste level and status, then they can know the bin status, but they cannot monitor the bin remotely and must be physically present at the bin location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that detect bin status (waste level, lid position, tilt angle) and transmit this information remotely. The sensor acts as a mediator between the bin and household members, enabling remote monitoring without direct observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of direct visual observation with an electronic sensing and communication system. Sensors detect physical parameters (level, position, angle) and convert them to electrical signals for remote transmission, substituting mechanical observation with electronic measurement.
2Reliability
If household members remember to put the bin out for collection, then collections are not missed, but human memory is unreliable and forgetfulness occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor bin status and transmit information to a remote device. The system provides feedback to household members about whether the bin is out for collection, enabling them to respond appropriately and avoid missed collections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary action by alerting household members in advance when the bin should be placed out for collection. The remote monitoring system provides提前 notification, allowing users to prepare and position the bin before the collection truck arrives.
3Productivity
If the bin is placed remotely from the house (outside or garage), then kerbside collection is facilitated, but household members cannot easily observe the bin status without going to the bin location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensors as intermediary devices installed in or on the bin to detect and transmit status information. These sensors enable remote observation of bin contents and status without requiring physical presence at the remotely located bin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the observation dimension from physical space (requiring presence at bin location) to remote digital space. Status information is transmitted electronically to a remote device, allowing monitoring from any location with network connectivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If wildlife can access the bin when lid is open or bin is knocked over, then mess is created, but continuous monitoring to detect these conditions requires complex surveillance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into separate, specialized sensors: a tilt sensor for detecting knocked-over conditions, a lid position sensor for detecting open lid status, and a waste level sensor. Each sensor handles a specific detection task, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical surveillance systems with electronic sensors that automatically detect bin status conditions. The sensors convert physical states (tilt angle, lid position) into electrical signals for remote transmission, enabling simple and reliable monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for indicating bin status involving a bin sensor measuring waste level and status and transmitting this information along with an identifier associated with the bin's location. The system also includes a receiver, processor, transmitter, and a device. The processor determines when collection of waste is pending based on the bin's location and scheduling information. The transmitter sends the device information about the level of rubbish in the bin, the status of bin and an indication when the collection of waste is pending. The device displays the level of waste, status, and collection indications for the bin assigned to the location, ensuring efficient waste management.