Container Return Receptacle With Pivot Tray and User Crediting
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Solution Overview
Problem
School cafeterias and similar establishments face wasteful disposal of throwaway containers, such as styrofoam, which end up in landfills, and lack an efficient system for collecting and crediting reusable containers.
Innovation Solution
A collection system comprising a storage receptacle with a scanner, support tray, and collection bag, where containers are identified by a code, scanned, and credited via a token or receipt, using a pivot mechanism to release containers into a bag and a card reader for user crediting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a manual container collection system is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but productivity is low and waste disposal efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The container automatically falls from the support tray to the collection bag when the tray pivots, eliminating the need for manual retrieval by staff. The system serves itself by using gravity and mechanical pivoting to transfer containers, significantly improving collection efficiency without requiring complex automated handling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The collection system is divided into distinct functional segments: a support tray for receiving containers, a pivoting mechanism for releasing containers, and a collection bag for storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system relatively simple
2Loss of substance
If reusable containers are collected and tracked, then waste reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases due to scanning and crediting systems
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner serves multiple functions: it identifies the container, verifies it is a reusable container, and triggers the crediting process. The single interface unit combines scanning, control, and crediting functions, reducing the need for separate complex systems while achieving waste reduction through systematic container recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to users through token dispensing or card crediting when containers are returned. This feedback mechanism encourages continued participation in the container return program, ensuring sustained waste reduction while using a relatively simple reward-based interface
3Loss of time
If containers are manually retrieved and stored, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time occurs due to manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
Containers are pre-positioned on the support tray in a ready-to-release position. When the tray pivots, containers automatically fall into the collection bag without requiring manual intervention. This preliminary positioning and automatic release mechanism eliminates retrieval time while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of retrieving and storing containers is replaced by a pivoting tray mechanism that uses gravity to automatically transfer containers to the collection bag. This mechanical substitution eliminates manual handling time while keeping the operation simple and intuitive
4Loss of substance
If throwaway containers are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of substance increases due to landfill disposal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding containers in landfills, the system recovers reusable containers through a dedicated collection receptacle. The pivoting tray mechanism facilitates easy transfer of returned containers into the collection bag, enabling continuous recovery and reuse while minimizing landfill waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of container disposal into benefit by creating a structured return and recovery process. Containers that would otherwise be discarded are instead captured, cleaned, and reused, transforming waste into a valuable reusable resource while maintaining simple operational procedures
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.