Container Return Receptacle With Scanning and Pivot Tray Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The substantial use of disposable styrofoam containers in school cafeterias and similar establishments leads to wasteful disposal and environmental issues, with a need for an efficient system to collect and credit reusable containers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a storage receptacle with a scanner, support tray, and collection bag, where containers are identified by code, scanned, and released into the bag, accompanied by a token or credit mechanism for the depositor, utilizing a pivot mechanism and electrical controller for automated collection and crediting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable styrofoam containers are used extensively, then convenience and ease of operation are improved, but environmental harm and waste generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a container deposit system where reusable containers are collected through storage receptacles with scanners that read codes on returned containers. A credit mechanism incentivizes users to return containers, which are then accumulated in collection bags for recovery and reuse, transforming the disposable model into a circular economy system that reduces environmental harm while maintaining operational convenience
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a container collection system with scanning and crediting is implemented, then waste reduction and environmental protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is divided into distinct functional modules: storage receptacles for container intake, scanners for code detection, credit mechanisms for user incentive, and collection bags for accumulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable, maintainable, and scalable while achieving effective waste reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automatic scanning of container codes and automated credit dispensing without requiring manual verification or complex human intervention. The scanner automatically detects container identifiers and triggers the credit mechanism, reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective container collection and waste reduction
3Productivity
If automated scanning and credit dispensing are used, then productivity and collection efficiency are improved, but device complexity and initial cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Containers are pre-marked with unique codes that enable automatic identification and tracking. This preliminary action of coding containers before use allows the scanning system to quickly verify and process returns without manual inspection, significantly improving collection efficiency while keeping the automation system relatively simple and cost-effective
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is illustrated for collecting containers and that includes a storage receptacle having an access door and a support tray. The storage receptacle has an opening through which a container is inserted for receipt on the support tray. The support tray has an initial substantially horizontal position. A scanner detects the presence of the container on the support tray. A collection bag is supported in the storage receptacle at a bottom thereof and for receiving a plurality of containers. The collection bag is accessible via the access door. A mechanism is responsive to the scanner detecting the presence of the container for releasing the container from the support tray to enable the container to fall into the collection bag. The container is released by the support tray pivoting from the substantially horizontal position to an angled position to thus enable the container to fall into the collection bag.