Incentive-Based Waste Reduction System Using Load Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and environmental impact of conventional waste disposal methods, particularly landfills, necessitate the development of cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives for waste management, as existing incentive-based systems have been ineffective in promoting waste reduction and recycling.

Innovation Solution

An incentive-based waste reduction system that includes a load-determining device to quantify waste material, adjusts values based on predetermined factors, and distributes credits to entities for reducing waste and increasing recycling, utilizing a network of data acquisition and host servers to track and reward waste reduction efforts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional landfill disposal methods are used, then waste can be disposed of, but the cost increases and environmental harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste disposal cost efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental harm from landfill

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful act of waste disposal into a beneficial process by implementing an incentive-based program. Entities receive credits and rewards for reducing waste and increasing recycling, transforming the previously harmful landfill disposal practice into a environmentally beneficial activity with financial incentives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of waste management by introducing quantifiable measures of waste reduction and recycling. Through algorithms that adjust values based on predetermined factors, the system creates a framework where environmental performance can be measured, tracked, and rewarded, moving from unmeasured disposal to measurable sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If incentive-based systems are implemented to promote waste reduction, then environmental impact decreases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impact of waste disposalVSAvoidsystem complexity of waste reduction program

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the waste management process into distinct components: waste collection, quantification, value adjustment through algorithms, credit association, and reward distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be managed independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and implementable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary framework that connects waste reduction actions to environmental benefits. Through algorithms and value adjustments, the system acts as a mediator between the entity's waste management practices and the environmental outcomes, translating physical waste reduction into quantifiable credits and rewards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If existing incentive-based systems are used, then some waste reduction occurs, but they are ineffective and impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste reduction effectivenessVSAvoidpracticality and feasibility of incentive system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where entities receive real-time information about their waste reduction performance through quantifiable measures and credit accumulations. This feedback loop motivates entities to continue reducing waste by demonstrating the direct connection between their actions and the rewards they receive, improving both effectiveness and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a universal framework that can be applied to various entities and waste types through standardized algorithms and value adjustments. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to manage different scenarios (residential, commercial, industrial waste) while maintaining consistency and reliability across all applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10354474B2Incentive-based waste reduction system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 RECYCLEBANK LLC

AI summary

An incentive-based waste reduction system and method thereof are disclosed herein. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an incentive-based waste reduction system comprises a collection means comprising at least a load-determining device, the collection means for obtaining a quantifiable measure of waste material from an entity, a value associated with the quantifiable measure of waste material, an adjustment factor for adjusting the value associated with the quantifiable measure of waste material, determined from an algorithm, the algorithm taking as an input at least a predetermined factor, a credit value associated with at least a quantifiable measure of deposited waste material, and a reward value associated with the credit value.