Hanging Load Cell Waste Weighing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection and weighing systems are limited in their ability to accurately measure the weight of waste and recycling at the point of generation, typically capturing weights only at the time of truck collection or disposal, and most existing scales are not designed to hang from the top of waste containers, making them unsuitable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection and weighing system featuring a platform with an opening, a frame body, and load cells with an upward-facing engagement face, allowing a waste container with a downward-facing lip to rest on the load cell for accurate weight measurement, accompanied by a display screen for real-time data display and connectivity options for data collection and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional scales are used at truck collection or disposal points, then weight measurement is achieved, but the measurement location is limited and does not allow tracking at the point of waste generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the waste management measurement process into multiple locations by placing independent weighing modules at different points - specifically at the point of generation (desk-mounted scales) and at collection points (truck-mounted scales). Each segment operates independently but contributes to the overall tracking system, enabling both precise local measurement and flexible deployment across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate weighing devices (desk-mounted scales and truck-mounted scales) that act as mediators between the waste generation point and the final disposal point. These intermediary devices capture weight data at multiple stages, bridging the gap between traditional single-point measurement and comprehensive tracking, thereby enabling both accurate measurement and location flexibility.
2Loss of information
If scales are installed at multiple locations for real-time tracking, then measurement coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal weighing modules that can be deployed in multiple locations (desks, trucks, collection points) with the same basic design and functionality. Each module performs the same core function of weight measurement and data transmission, but can be adapted to different locations without requiring completely different systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive tracking coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical or similar weighing device designs (desk-mounted scales, truck-mounted scales) replicated across multiple locations. Rather than designing unique complex systems for each location, the same proven weighing technology is copied and deployed throughout the organization, simplifying installation, maintenance, and data integration while achieving complete tracking coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If truck-mounted scales are used, then mobile measurement capability is achieved, but the scales cannot hang from the top of waste containers for direct weighing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional weighing approach by switching from bottom-up weighing (scales underneath containers) to top-down weighing (scales hanging from above). The truck-mounted scales are configured to hang from the truck's overhead structure and engage with the top rim of waste containers, allowing direct weighing of containers as they are loaded or unloaded. This inversion enables both mobile measurement capability and precise container-level accuracy.
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
Enables real-time tracking and accurate measurement of waste and recycling weights, improving sustainability efforts by providing a scalable and adaptable solution that can hang from the top of waste containers, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell disposed on the frame body, the load cell having an upward-facing engagement face... the load cell is configured to measure the weight of the waste container and its contents
Data Source
AI summary
A waste collection and weighing system for measuring the weight of waste and recycling containers and their contents is provided. The waste collection and weighing system can include a platform having an opening formed therein, a frame body configured to sit atop the platform adjacent to the opening, and a load cell attached to the frame body. The waste collection and weighing system is a load-cell-based weight measurement device and the rigid frame body is configured for both hanging and weighing the waste container.