Input Point Arrangement with Status Indication for Waste Conveying Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In waste conveying systems, especially in densely populated urban areas, the existing input points often lead to inefficiencies and hygiene issues due to the need for multiple input points for different waste categories, causing users to leave materials outside when primary input points are full, rather than directing them to secondary points.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an input point arrangement with indication and signal means, such as light sources, sound sources, and supervision sensors, that guide users to the next available input point when the primary one is full, ensuring efficient use of the feed-in station capacity and reducing clutter and hygiene problems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input points are provided for different waste categories, then the system can handle diverse waste types, but users leave materials outside when primary input points are full instead of being directed to secondary points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste category handling capabilityVSAvoidclutter and hygiene problems from discarded materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses indication means (visual signals, display panels) to provide real-time feedback about the availability status of different input points. When a primary input point is full, the system actively signals users about alternative available input points, creating a feedback loop that guides users to appropriate disposal locations and prevents materials from being left outside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The indication means act as an intermediary between the waste management system and users. These indicators mediate the interaction by translating system status (input point availability) into user-friendly information, guiding users to the correct input points without requiring them to physically search or guess where to dispose of their waste materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input points are provided for different waste categories, then the system can handle diverse waste types, but the feed-in station capacity is not efficiently utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste category handling capabilityVSAvoidfeed-in station capacity utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time information about which input points are available and which are full, enabling users to dynamically route their waste to available capacity. This feedback mechanism ensures that all input points are utilized efficiently, preventing situations where some points remain underused while others are overloaded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its guidance based on real-time status of input points. The indication means update their signals according to current availability, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize capacity utilization dynamically rather than following a static configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If indication means are added to guide users to alternative input points, then capacity utilization improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed-in station capacity utilizationVSAvoidinput point arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indication means serve multiple functions: they display the availability status of input points, guide users to appropriate disposal locations, and provide feedback about system capacity. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single indication system, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to implementing separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors and communicates the status of input points without requiring manual intervention. The indication means self-update based on sensor input or system status, eliminating the need for operators to manually check and update the status of each input point, thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11180315B2Method in a feed-in station and input point arrangement

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 MARICAP OY

AI summary

In a method for guiding and/or instructing in a feed-in station of a material conveying system, the feed-in station includes at least one first input point and at least one second input point, which input points each include at least one input aperture and a shut-off part of the input aperture, which shut-off part is movable between a first position in which the input aperture is at least partly closed, in which case material is not intended to be fed from the input aperture to inside the input point, and a second position in which the input aperture is open, in which second position material can be fed from the input aperture to inside the input point. The first input point and/or the second input point is adapted to include an indicator and/or signal, with which in the method a user is guided and/or instructed to feed in material from the input aperture of the second input point of the feed-in station, when the first input point is in a state in which it cannot receive material. An input point arrangement is used in the method.