Load Pin Axles for Waste Compactor Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste container measurement systems are inadequate due to insufficient accuracy, interference issues, limited retrofit capabilities, and high costs, making it challenging to determine the weight of waste accurately for timely emptying and avoiding excessive disposal fees.
Innovation Solution
A weight-measurement system that includes scale devices integrated with a remote computer via a communications module, allowing for accurate measurement of waste weight by deducting the known weight of the empty container, and providing notifications and automatic scheduling for emptying when preset limits are reached, which can be integrated into or retrofitted onto waste containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight measurement systems are installed in waste containers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scale devices are integrated with the base frame of the waste container, combining the weighing function with the supporting structure. This merging reduces the need for separate measurement components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining accurate weight measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base frame serves dual purposes: supporting the waste container and housing the scale devices for weight measurement. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for dedicated measurement structures separate from the support framework.
2Measurement precision
If external components are added for weight measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but interference issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating scale devices into the base frame rather than adding external components, the measurement system becomes part of the container's structural assembly. This eliminates interference issues that would arise from external attachments while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional waste containers are used without integration, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability for retrofitting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight measurement system is designed as a separate module that can be independently manufactured and then installed on existing containers. This segmentation allows conventional containers to be produced simply while enabling retrofitting by adding the modular measurement component to the base frame.
4Loss of information
If accurate weight measurement is implemented, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scale devices are merged with the base frame structure, providing accurate weight measurement data while minimizing system complexity through integrated design rather than separate measurement components.
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 system provides accurate and timely waste weight measurement, reducing unnecessary emptying and fines, optimizing disposal processes, and enhancing transparency in financial transactions by automating the scheduling of waste collection.
Implementation Method 1
scale devices in communication with a remote computer via a communications module... weight data representing the total weight of the waste container and its waste contents
Data Source
AI summary
A weight-measurement system for inclusion or use with a waste container includes scale devices in communication with a remote computer via a communications module. In some embodiments, the scale devices are mounted to a wheeled base frame that is integral with and supports the waste container. In other embodiments, the scale devices are mounted to a stationary base frame upon which a conventional waste container is retrofittingly positioned and supported during use. The scale devices can be provided by load cells, for example load-pin load cells used as axles for wheels of the integral base frame or as axles for rollers of the retrofit stationary base frame. The remote computer can be programmed to receive weight data from the scale devices, via the communications module, determine the actual weight of the waste contained in the waste container, and provide pre-defined weight-based notifications.