Modular Waste Collection Device with Segmented Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection systems face challenges in adaptability to varying waste fractions over time and seasonal fluctuations, as well as difficulties in integrating seamlessly into urban areas with easy access and management for periodic emptying and user identification.
Innovation Solution
A modular waste collection device with a containment structure composed of interchangeable structural modules, each equipped with user interfaces and identification units, allowing for easy adjustment of container quantity and type, and featuring removable panels for access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If collection centers are built in peripheral areas to reduce environmental impact, then environmental integration is improved, but accessibility for users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is divided into multiple modular units that can be distributed across different locations. Each module can independently house containers for specific waste fractions, allowing the system to be dispersed rather than centralized in one remote location, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining environmental integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection modules are designed to be multi-functional, capable of housing different types of containers for various waste fractions (recyclables, organic waste, residual waste). This universal design allows a single module type to serve multiple purposes and locations, making the system adaptable to different urban contexts and improving accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If collection centers are made large to increase collection capacity, then waste collection capacity is improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The total collection capacity is segmented across multiple smaller modular units distributed in the urban area. Each module has a moderate capacity suitable for its specific location and waste fraction, but the aggregate capacity of all modules together meets the overall waste collection requirements, avoiding the need for large centralized facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single large centralized collection center to a distributed network of modules across the urban landscape. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows the system to achieve high total capacity without concentrating waste in one large environmentally impactful location.
3Device complexity
If container types and quantities are fixed in the containment structure, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying waste fractions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure incorporates movable walls and removable panels that allow the internal configuration to be dynamically adjusted. Containers can be repositioned, added, or removed based on varying waste fraction requirements, while the overall modular structure maintains relative simplicity through standardized components and straightforward assembly mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A containment structure (2) defines a compartment (4) for housing containers (5a, 5b) delimited between head walls (T) mutually spaced along a longitudinal development direction (L) of the containment structure (2), side walls (F) extending parallel to the longitudinal development direction (L), user-interface walls (C) rising from the side walls (F), and at least one top wall (S) extending from one to the other of the user-interface walls (C). The containment structure (2) is formed by one or more structural modules (3a, 3b) each comprising terminal frames (7) extending according to respective planes parallel to each other, side frames (12) arranged at the user-interface walls (C) and having each respective opposite ends joined to the terminal frames (7), at least one user interface (19) applied on one of the side frames (12), and covering panels (16, 17, 18) removably engaged with respect to the terminal frames (7) to define said head walls (T), side walls (F) and top wall (S). The user interface (19) comprises a cover plate (20) fixed to the side frame (12) and having at least one delivery port (22) closed by an access door (23), and at least one identification unit (24) configured to enable opening of the access door (23) upon identification of a user. At least one of the covering panels (16, 17, 18) comprises at least one openable portion (16a, 17a) hinged with respect to one of the terminal frames (7) to enable the introduction and extraction of the containers (5a, 5b) from said compartment (4).