Four-Bar Linkage Press Ram for Waste Compaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste disposal containers face issues with complex and costly compression mechanisms, limited design flexibility due to linear vertical movement of compaction rams, and user hygiene concerns, as well as inefficient solar panel energy utilization and additional manual actions required for waste disposal.

Innovation Solution

A waste disposal container with a pressing device utilizing a four-bar linkage mechanism for complex pivoting movement of the press ram, integrated safety elements to prevent user contact, an independent power supply with rotatable photovoltaic panels for optimal energy harvesting, and a compact design with a drive cylinder for efficient compaction and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a linear vertical movement mechanism is used for the compression ram, then the structure is simple, but the design flexibility is limited and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism structureVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static linear vertical movement mechanism to a dynamic four-bar linkage mechanism. The compression ram executes a complex pivoting movement through the four-bar linkage (comprising a long lever, short lever, and press plate with bearings), allowing the ram to adapt its movement path and pressure application points dynamically. This dynamic mechanism provides greater design flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity, thereby reducing manufacturing costs compared to conventional linear mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements another dimension principle by changing the movement trajectory of the compression ram from a single-dimensional linear vertical path to a multi-dimensional complex pivoting path. The four-bar linkage enables the press plate to move not only vertically but also horizontally and rotate, allowing compression from multiple angles and positions within the container. This dimensional expansion increases design flexibility and reduces the need for multiple separate compression components, lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If photovoltaic panels are fixed on the top of the housing, then the structure is simple, but energy utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel arrangementVSAvoidsolar radiation utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle to the photovoltaic panel arrangement by making the panels rotatable rather than fixed. The rotatable mounting allows the photovoltaic panels to dynamically adjust their orientation to track the sun's movement throughout the day and across different seasons. This dynamic adjustment maximizes solar radiation capture efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple structural design, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and energy utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action principle through the rotatable photovoltaic panels that periodically adjust their position to follow the sun's apparent daily and seasonal motion. This periodic repositioning ensures optimal energy capture at different times of the day and year, significantly improving solar radiation utilization compared to fixed panels, while the rotation mechanism remains structurally simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a drawer device is used for waste receipt, then user safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidwaste disposal operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by designing an automatic door opening mechanism that responds to approaching objects or contactless signals. When a user approaches the waste disposal container, the detection unit detects the object and the door automatically opens, allowing waste to be deposited without manual drawer operation. After waste disposal, the door automatically closes and triggers the compression cycle. This eliminates the need for users to manually open drawers or compartments, improving ease of operation while maintaining safety through automated control and contactless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical drawer device with an automated door system controlled by detection units and drive mechanisms. Instead of requiring users to physically manipulate drawers, the system uses sensors to detect approaching objects and automatically opens the door, substitutes the mechanical user-drawer interaction with an automated detection-and-response system. This improves ease of operation while maintaining safety through automated control, reducing the need for direct user contact with mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If the container volume is increased to reduce emptying frequency, then productivity is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemptying frequencyVSAvoidcontainer size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action principle through automated compression cycles that periodically reduce the volume of waste in the container. The compression ram executes regular compression strokes, compacting waste into a smaller volume, thereby extending the time between emptying operations. This periodic volume reduction allows the use of a smaller container while achieving the same productivity (reduced emptying frequency) as a larger container would provide without compression, resolving the contradiction between container size and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes principle by dynamically changing the waste volume parameter through compression. The compression mechanism alters the density and volume of waste material, transforming it from a loose, bulky state to a compact, dense state. This parameter change (volume reduction through compression) allows a smaller container to hold the equivalent amount of compressed waste that would otherwise require a larger container, improving productivity without increasing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances waste capacity, reduces manual emptying frequency, ensures user safety, optimizes energy use, and allows for a more compact and robust waste disposal system with improved design flexibility and reduced manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the press plate (51), the long lever (52) and the short lever (53) with bearings (56, 56', 191, 191') on the housing (1) and on the press plate (51) form a four-bar linkage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFour-bar linkage: Four-Bar Linkage

Implementation Method 2

The securing element can be acted upon by spring force in the position closing the opening of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the required electrical power being supplied by photovoltaic panels on the body of the trash compactor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2955133B1Waste disposal container with pressing device
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 ANTA SWISS
  • EP2955133B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2955133B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2955133B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

Waste disposal container with pressing device (100) comprising a housing (1), a container (2), an opening (11) in the housing (1), a movable locking element (111, 111'), a control device (3) and a drive device (4) operatively connected to the control device (3), characterized in that a pressing ram (5) coupled to the drive device (4) comprises a pressing plate (51), a long lever (52) and a short lever (53), wherein the pressing plate (51), the long lever (52) and the short lever (53) form a four-bar linkage with bearings (191) on the housing (1) and bearings (56) on the pressing plate (51); that the pressing ram (5) is movable between an initial position (54) and a maximum pressing position (55);and that the locking element (111, 111') is coupled to the control device (3) and/or the drive device (4) and is movable between a position releasing the opening (11) and a position closing the opening (11).