Pay-per-use Receptacle Rotatable Bin Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste disposal facilities face issues with unauthorized after-hours disposal of trash, scattering, odor problems, and the need for efficient payment processing, as well as limited capacity and inefficient trash handling in existing pay-per-use receptacles.
Innovation Solution
A pay-per-use receptacle with a rotatable bin, electronic controller, and sensors for payment validation and trash management, which includes a pivoting false ceiling and chute guide to direct deposited bags into an external container, along with optional features like motion sensors, cameras, and lighting to deter vandalism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a payment accepting trash receptacle with limited interior space is used, then after-hours unattended trash disposal is enabled, but the receptacle cannot handle large volumes of trash and requires frequent emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable bin system where multiple nested bins are arranged concentrically within the receptacle. Each bin can be rotated independently to different positions, allowing compact storage of multiple bins within limited space while providing separate compartments for different trash types or payment levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotatable bin mechanism that can dynamically change the position and orientation of trash compartments. The bins rotate to different angular positions, transforming the static limited-space receptacle into a dynamic system that can accommodate and manage multiple trash volumes through rotational movement.
2Ease of operation
If trash is placed directly into the receptacle interior space, then disposal is simple, but trash scattering and odor problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a funnel positioned above the rotatable bin that pre-directs incoming trash into the correct compartment before it can scatter. The funnel structure guides trash flow in advance, preventing scattering and odor issues while maintaining simple one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a funnel as an intermediary element between the trash deposit opening and the bin interior. This funnel mediator channels and controls the trash flow, preventing direct contact with surrounding areas that would cause scattering and odor, while still allowing easy trash deposition.
3Productivity
If a rotatable bin system is implemented to direct trash to external containers, then trash handling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the trash handling system into segmented rotatable bins that can be independently controlled. Each bin segment handles specific trash types or payment levels, allowing efficient organization and directed disposal while maintaining modular simplicity that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable bin mechanism serves multiple functions: it separates different trash types, directs trash to different external containers based on payment validation, and can be rotated to different positions for maintenance or emptying. This multi-functionality increases productivity while the unified rotational mechanism keeps device complexity manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cash payment is accepted at the waste disposal facility, then payment processing is enabled, but security risks and employee training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cash handling with an electronic payment terminal integrated into the receptacle control system. The terminal validates payments electronically and automatically controls the rotatable bin operation, eliminating security risks associated with cash handling while maintaining payment acceptance versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service payment processing where users complete transactions through the integrated terminal without attendant involvement. The automated payment validation and bin control reduce the need for employee training and monitoring while maintaining reliable payment processing and security.
Data Source
AI summary
A pay-per-use receptacle, suitable for use in an attended or unattended manner, especially at a trash or waste disposal facility. The receptacle is a generally box-like enclosure, having a payment terminal for receiving a payment and an access door on the front surface for receiving a bag of material (such as trash) after a payment is made. The bag of material is placed on a generally horizontal surface of a rotatable bin, positioned immediately inside the access door. Upon closing the access door, the rotatable bin rotates, thereby moving the deposited bag to a discharge position above a chute guide. The bag is urged from the rotatable bin by the motion of the bin and gravity, and falls downwardly and outwardly through an opening in the rear of the receptacle, into an external bin, dumpster, or compactor. Also disclosed is an ornamental design for a pay-per-use receptacle, and a process for controlling the operations thereof.