Pivoting Horizontal Beam for Automated Plastic Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garbage collection devices for water bodies are labor-intensive, inefficient, and difficult to empty, and are not suitable for large-scale applications like rivers.
Innovation Solution
A garbage collection apparatus with a pivotally mounted horizontal beam and collection device that can be adjusted vertically and rotated for efficient debris collection and easy emptying, equipped with actuators and sensors for automated operation and minimal disturbance to water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional trash skimmer boats or floating garbage removal devices are used, then plastic collection from water bodies is achieved, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a horizontally extendable beam structure that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The beam is mounted on a rotating platform that can pivot to face different directions, allowing the collection device to be positioned optimally against water flow while reducing manual intervention. This dynamic positioning capability enables automated operation and improves collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is designed to automatically capture floating debris as water flows through the structure. The horizontal beam with collection netting passively intercepts plastic waste carried by the current, minimizing the need for continuous manual operation. The system uses the natural water flow to bring debris to the collection point, reducing labor intensity.
2Productivity
If collection devices are mounted on fixed structures, then plastic collection is achieved, but emptying of collected garbage becomes difficult and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal beam is mounted on a rotating platform that can pivot the entire collection structure. When the collection device becomes full, the platform rotates to reposition the beam, allowing easy access for emptying the accumulated debris. This rotational capability transforms a static, hard-to-access collection point into a dynamically repositionable structure that facilitates efficient garbage removal.
3Quantity of substance
If collection devices extend deeply into water, then more plastic is collected, but water flow disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device uses a horizontal beam with netting or bars that provides localized collection coverage. Instead of a deep vertical structure that would significantly block water flow, the horizontal configuration with appropriately spaced netting captures plastic waste at the surface level while allowing water to pass through with minimal disturbance. This localised collection approach maintains ecological balance.
4Extent of automation
If automated actuators are added for beam displacement, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to control the horizontal beam's extension and retraction, as well as the rotating platform's movement. These fluid-powered systems provide smooth, controlled motion with relatively simple mechanical components compared to electric motor systems. The actuators enable automated positioning and rotation while maintaining manageable system complexity through the use of well-established hydraulic/pneumatic technology.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Garbage collection apparatus for the collection of plastic from a surface of a waterbody with a waterflow. The garbage collection apparatus comprises a base and a horizontal beam mounted pivotably around a vertical axis on the base. Said horizontal beam is mounted displaceably in vertical direction on the base, where said horizontal beam on an underside comprises a collection device for collecting plastic floating on the surface of the waterbody. The collection device extends vertically away from the horizontal beam and extends horizontally in a direction opposite the direction of the water flow in the waterbody, which collection device comprises one of either bars or mesh, where said garbage collection apparatus comprises a first actuator for displacing the horizontal beam in or into vertical direction and where said collection device is connected rotatably to the horizontal beam and where the rotation axis of the collection device relative to the beam is parallel to a main axis of the horizontal beam and where the garbage collection apparatus comprises a controller. Method for removing plastic from the surface of a waterbody with a water flow, with a garbage collection apparatus.