Refuse Container Wireless Data Transmission via Tilt Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reading data from waste containers are time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when managing multiple containers located far apart, requiring manual intervention and cumbersome wiring for data transfer.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a waste container with an electronic control unit that uses a radio link for contactless data transmission, initiated by specific movements such as tilting or lifting during emptying, to automatically transmit usage data to a connected device, thereby reducing the need for manual data retrieval and minimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data reading with service personnel is used, then data can be read from the container, but it is time-consuming and personnel-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The container performs self-service by automatically detecting its own movement (tilting/lifting during emptying) and triggering data transmission without requiring external service personnel. The control unit autonomously reads data from the data memory and transmits it via radio link when the predetermined movement is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual data reading system with an automated electronic system. Instead of service personnel manually reading data, an electronic control unit with radio transmission capability automatically transfers data when the container is emptied, eliminating the need for physical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If cable connection to reader is used, then data transfer is possible, but wiring becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless radio link system. The control unit transmits data wirelessly to the refuse vehicle, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and complex wiring between the container and external reading devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radio link as an intermediary communication channel between the container and the refuse vehicle. This wireless intermediary replaces the direct physical cable connection, enabling data transfer without mechanical coupling and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If continuous radio transmission is used, then data can be transmitted, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit employs periodic action by triggering radio transmission only at specific moments when the container undergoes predetermined movement (tilting/lifting during emptying). The transmission is activated periodically based on these events rather than continuously, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the movement sensor to control the radio transmission. The sensor detects the container's movement state and provides feedback to the control unit, which then activates transmission only when the predetermined movement is detected, optimizing energy usage based on actual operational conditions.
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
This approach reduces the time and personnel required for data collection, ensures secure and efficient data transfer, and prolongs the life of the container's energy source by only activating communication during specific events, providing proof of emptying and enabling encrypted data exchange.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit is set up to transmit the data via a radio link to the opposite side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The container (1) has an electronic control unit for selecting data from a data storage and transferring read-data to a refuse lorry (2) via a wireless connection (A). The data is transmitted in response to a sensory detection of a predetermined movement of the container, where the pre-determined movement represents inclination of the container. An inclination sensor detects the inclination movement of the container, where the inclination sensor is connected with the control unit. A garbage air-lock (111) is formed as an access device to allow throwing of garbage into the container.