Refuse Hopper Dump Verification Using Multi-Sensor Container Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicle tracking systems are prone to unauthorized pickups and unreliable in verifying that a container has been dumped at a specific location, often relying on manual record keeping, RFID tags, and semi-automated operator-initiated triggers which are susceptible to rigging and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system, including mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, camera-based, laser-based, radar-based, and hydraulic-based detectors, is used to detect the presence of a container on a refuse vehicle and confirm its dumping into the refuse hopper, utilizing inputs from sensors, limit switches, and vehicle gear positions to verify the dump event through a processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual record keeping and RFID tags are used for tracking containers, then the system is simple to implement, but the reliability of verifying container dumping is poor and susceptible to rigging
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is segmented into multiple independent sensor types (mechanical, electrical, optical, hydraulic) that each detect different aspects of container presence and dumping. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through multiple independent verification points while maintaining modular complexity that can be implemented in stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where sensors serve multiple purposes: detecting container presence, verifying container type, confirming dumping action, and providing data for route verification. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity while enhancing reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are used to detect container presence and dumping, then the measurement precision of dump verification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types (mechanical, electrical, optical, hydraulic) are merged into a unified verification system that processes data from all sensors through a single controller. This merging approach achieves high measurement precision by cross-validating multiple sensor inputs while managing complexity through centralized processing rather than multiple independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller or processing unit serves as an intermediary between the diverse sensor inputs and the verification decision. This intermediary consolidates complex sensor data, applies verification logic, and produces a clear verification outcome, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through systematic data integration.
3Reliability
If automated sensor-based verification is implemented, then the reliability of dump event identification is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system operates autonomously using self-service principles, where sensors automatically detect container presence and dumping events without manual intervention. The system self-verifies dump events by processing sensor data through embedded logic, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping or operator initiation while maintaining high reliability through automated multi-sensor validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data is constantly monitored and processed to verify dump events. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts verification decisions based on real-time sensor inputs, maintaining high reliability while simplifying operation by eliminating manual verification steps and providing automated confirmation to operators and dispatchers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for positively identifying that a dump event of a refuse container has occurred into a refuse hopper of a refuse vehicle are provided. When used with route software, alerts may be generated if a specific refuse container is missed or if an unexpected dump event occurs during the route.