Integrated Radio and Radar Local Node for Waste Fill Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste management systems incur high costs and carbon emissions due to inefficient routing and emptying of garbage trucks, as they lack a networked mode of operation that optimizes routes based on container fill states without significant additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A local node for waste management systems integrates a radio interface unit and a radar unit to determine container fill states using signals from a radio access network, eliminating the need for separate communication and radar devices, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate communication and radar devices are used to monitor container fill states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radar unit and radio interface unit into a single integrated device. The radar unit uses radio signals from the radio interface unit to detect container fill states, eliminating the need for separate communication and radar devices. This integration maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: the radio interface unit handles communication while the radar unit uses its radio signals for both communication and fill state monitoring. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are deployed for monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the radar and radio interface functions into one device, the system eliminates redundant energy consumption from multiple separate devices. The radar unit leverages the radio signals already being transmitted for communication, rather than requiring separate signal transmission for radar detection.
3Productivity
If traditional waste management routing is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to inefficient routes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring container fill states and using this information to dynamically optimize truck routes. The local node transmits fill state indications to a control node, which plans routes based on real-time waste levels, improving productivity while managing complexity through automated decision-making.
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
This integration allows for efficient monitoring of container fill states with reduced energy consumption and lower costs, optimizing truck routes and reducing carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the radar unit is an active radar configured to determine the delay as a time of flight of a signal transmitted by the radio interface unit and then reflected from the objects inside the container
Implementation Method 2
a radar unit; wherein the radar unit is configured to receive from the radio interface unit predefined information on one or more signals transmitted or received by the radio interface unit
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced local node to be installed to a waste collection site. A radio interface unit is configured for communication using signals specified for radio access in a radio access network, and a radar unit is configured to use information on received or transmitted signals of the radio interface unit to determine a distance from the local node to refuse objects inside a container. The local node thus uses the same signals to detect a fill state of a container and to transmit the fill state of the container from the local node to the control node.