Refuse Compression Unit with Movement Detection for Overflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse collection apparatuses lack efficient mechanisms to prevent overflow and accurately determine the accumulation amount of refuse, leading to inefficient disposal processes and potential contamination of public spaces.
Innovation Solution
A refuse collection apparatus equipped with a refuse compression unit and a movement range detection system, including a rotation plate and sensor, to compress refuse and detect the movement range of the compression unit, thereby calculating the accumulation amount and preventing overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a worker personally checks the inside of a refuse collection apparatus with the naked eye to determine when emptying is needed, then the worker can make disposal decisions, but the work efficiency is reduced and time and cost for disposal are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The refuse collection apparatus performs self-monitoring through the accumulation amount detection sensor, automatically determining when the container is full without requiring manual inspection by workers. The system serves itself by providing real-time data on refuse accumulation, enabling automated disposal scheduling and eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an electronic sensing system. The accumulation amount detection sensor uses non-contact detection (optical, electromagnetic, or other sensing mechanisms) to measure refuse levels, substituting the worker's naked eye inspection with an automated electronic measurement system that provides precise, continuous monitoring.
2Productivity
If a worker empties a refuse collection apparatus regularly or irregularly according to existing method, then the disposal process can be completed, but a refuse may be overflowed into the outside of the apparatus or the apparatus is emptied before it is filled
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulation amount detection sensor provides continuous feedback on the refuse fill level to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically determine the optimal emptying timing based on actual accumulation data, preventing both overflow (by alerting before capacity is exceeded) and premature emptying (by delaying disposal until sufficient accumulation occurs).
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects refuse accumulation in advance before overflow occurs, allowing the system to trigger disposal operations proactively. By monitoring the fill level continuously, the system takes preliminary action to schedule emptying before the container reaches its maximum capacity, preventing overflow while optimizing disposal timing.
3Device complexity
If no compression mechanism is installed in the refuse collection apparatus, then the structure remains simple, but the refuse may be overflowed into the outside of the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism performs preliminary compression of refuse when it is first deposited into the container, reducing its volume before further accumulation occurs. This preliminary action creates additional headroom in the container, delaying the point at which overflow would occur and extending the time between disposal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression mechanism changes the physical parameters of the refuse by applying mechanical pressure, thereby reducing its volume and increasing its density. This parameter change allows more refuse to be stored in the same container volume, preventing overflow without requiring a larger container structure.
4Measurement precision
If a movement range detection unit is installed to detect the movement range of the refuse compression unit, then the accumulation amount can be ascertained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement range detection unit serves as an intermediary measurement system that indirectly determines accumulation amount by measuring the displacement of the compression mechanism. Instead of directly measuring the volume or mass of refuse, the system uses the compression unit's movement as a proxy indicator, simplifying the overall measurement approach while maintaining acceptable precision.
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 solution effectively prevents refuse overflow, enhances disposal efficiency, and maintains a clean public environment by accurately determining the accumulation amount and optimizing disposal timing.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation detection sensor may be formed from a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic substance
Implementation Method 2
or a photo sensor configured to detect a light
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse collection apparatus is disclosed. A refuse collection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention a main body unit into which a refuse is inserted, a refuse compression unit installed in the main body unit and configured to compress the refuse inserted into the main body unit and a movement range detection unit located inside of the main body unit and configured to detect a movement range of the refuse compression unit.