Multi-compartment refuse container with pantographic scissor lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-compartment recyclable refuse storage containers face issues with mechanical failure of lifting devices, difficulty in compacting sealed materials, noise levels exceeding regulatory limits during glass disposal, and the need for mechanical handling equipment for flowable materials, which can lead to damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment recyclable refuse storage container with a pantographic scissor lift mechanism for lifting and compacting recyclable materials, a recyclable material piercing device with downwardly directed spikes to crush lightweight materials, a sound-reducing design for glass compartments, and a wheel-mounted stillage for flowable materials to eliminate the need for forklifts, ensuring continuous operation and reduced noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bucket and chain lifting mechanism is used to lift recyclable materials, then the lifting function is achieved, but the device is prone to mechanical failure and has complicated structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex bucket and chain mechanical lifting system with a pantographic scissor lift mechanism that uses a more reliable parallelogram-based mechanical advantage system. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts prone to failure while maintaining the lifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it lifts recyclable materials into the upper compartment and simultaneously compactes them by applying downward force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If compacting devices are used to compress sealed containers and bottles, then volume reduction is attempted, but the sealed articles do not compact effectively due to being sealed and having active memory
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing device performs preliminary action by creating openings in sealed containers before compaction. This preliminary piercing allows air to escape and enables the subsequent compaction process to be effective, as the materials can now be compressed without being constrained by sealed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing device uses multiple spikes arranged in arrays to create multiple discrete openings throughout the recyclable materials. This segmentation approach ensures that even large sealed containers are effectively pierced at multiple points, allowing uniform compaction across the entire load.
3Productivity
If glass is emptied into the container from height, then the discharge function is achieved, but the noise level exceeds regulatory stipulations of 85dB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary curved chute that guides glass from the upper compartment to the lower compartment. This curved path allows gravity to accelerate the glass while the curved geometry and positioning absorb and redirect noise, preventing direct impact sounds from exceeding regulatory limits.
4Ease of operation
If a lifting device occupies space in the upper recyclable material compartment, then the lifting function is achieved, but the capacity of the compartment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pantographic scissor lift mechanism is designed to be dynamic, extending vertically when lifting materials and retracting into a compact configuration when not in use. This dynamic design allows the lifting device to occupy minimal space in the upper compartment while maintaining full lifting and compacting functionality.
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 enhances the container's capacity, reliability, and safety by preventing mechanical failures, effectively compacting and lifting materials, minimizing noise during glass disposal, and eliminating the need for mechanical handling equipment, thus improving operational efficiency and compliance with noise regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a pantographic scissor lift mechanism for lifting and compacting recyclable materials
Implementation Method 2
a recyclable material piercing device with downwardly directed spikes to crush lightweight materials
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards a multi-compartment recyclable refuse storage container (1) for mounting on a wheeled chassis (2) whereby the storage container (1) comprises a plurality of lower side-by-side in-line recyclable refuse receiving compartments (5,6,7,8) mounted on the wheeled chassis (2); an enclosed upper recyclable material compartment (11) extending across one or more of the lower side-by-side in-line recyclable refuse receiving compartments (5,6,7,8); and, a lower recyclable material receiving compartment (5) communicating with the enclosed upper recyclable material compartment (11) through an opening (39) in the floor (30) of the enclosed upper recyclable material compartment (11); wherein the storage container (1) further comprises a lifting and compacting device (40) to lift recyclable material from the lower recyclable material receiving compartment (5) into the enclosed upper recyclable material compartment (11) through the opening (39) and to compact the recyclable material against the roof (31) of the upper recyclable material compartment (11).