Refuse Bin Sensor System for Automated Collection Reminders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home and business users face challenges in managing refuse bins efficiently, including timely relocation and tracking, which can lead to missed refuse removal opportunities and incorrect placement, due to the lack of integrated automation systems that effectively communicate reminders and status updates.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that uses sensors to detect the proximity of refuse bins to base stations and removal vehicles, alerting users to move or return bins based on scheduled refuse removal days, and determining if the vehicle has passed the location, utilizing sensors like accelerometers, load sensors, and olfactory sensors for movement and weight detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual refuse bin management is used, then users have flexibility in handling bins, but users may miss removal opportunities and place bins incorrectly due to lack of reminders
Solution Approach 1:
The refuse bin management system performs self-monitoring through sensors that automatically detect bin presence, movement, and proximity to base stations. The system generates and sends reminders autonomously without requiring user intervention to check status or set reminders manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors bin location and status through sensors and provides real-time feedback to users via reminders when bins are misplaced or not ready for collection. This closed-loop feedback ensures users are informed of the current state and take appropriate actions.
2Loss of time
If sensors are continuously monitored to track bin location, then timely reminders can be sent, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic sensing triggered by specific events such as scheduled removal times or movement detection. Sensors activate at predetermined intervals or upon detecting changes in bin state, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining timely response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending reminders before scheduled removal times and proactively notifying users of potential issues. This allows users to prepare in advance rather than requiring constant real-time monitoring, reducing the need for continuous sensor operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect bin movement and status, then monitoring accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, load sensors, olfactory sensors) into an integrated monitoring system that shares a common processing unit and communication interface. This merging approach improves measurement precision through multi-parameter detection while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate independent sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality where a single sensor array serves multiple purposes: detecting bin presence, monitoring movement, measuring weight changes, and even detecting refuse status through olfactory sensors. This universal approach improves monitoring accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 ensures timely refuse management by reminding users to relocate bins, preventing missed collections and ensuring bins are returned to base stations, thereby improving refuse removal efficiency and user compliance with schedules.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more sensors may comprise one or more accelerometers and the movement may comprise at least a tilting motion
Implementation Method 2
the one or more sensors may comprise load sensors which may detect a change in the weight applied to the one or more sensors
Implementation Method 3
the one or more sensors may comprise at least one olfactory sensor. The olfactory sensors may detect a change in the smell of the at least one refuse bin
Data Source
AI summary
According to at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method to communicate refuse reminders to a user of an automation system is disclosed. A proximity of at least one refuse bin to a base station may be detected at a predetermined time period prior to the refuse removal day using one or more sensors. The user may be alerted to move the at least one refuse bin to a removal location based at least in part on the detecting. In some embodiments, the refuse removal scheduled may be linked with the automation system, wherein the refuse removal schedule may comprise a schedule of refuse pick-up days for a first category of refuse.