Refuse Hopper Object Detection to Pause Hazardous Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicles lack the ability to accurately distinguish between refuse and non-refuse objects during collection, leading to potential hazards and inefficiencies, such as accidental compaction of prohibited items or human presence.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a refuse vehicle system with sensors, such as cameras and RFID, to detect and classify objects within the hopper, and adjust actuator operations based on classification results, with manual override options to ensure safe and compliant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors and object classification systems are added to refuse vehicles, then safety and compliance improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary object detection and classification before the actuator completes its compaction cycle. The sensor detects objects in the hopper, the processor classifies them as refuse or non-refuse, and only then does the system allow the actuator to proceed with compaction. This preliminary action prevents hazardous objects from being compacted while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time object detection and classification is implemented, then harmful factors are reduced, but productivity decreases due to additional processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and manual intervention with an automated sensor-based detection and classification system. The sensor, processor, and control system work together to automatically identify and respond to hazardous objects, eliminating the need for operators to manually inspect each load and reducing overall processing time despite the added detection step.
3Reliability
If the actuator operation is adjusted based on object classification, then safety improves, but ease of operation decreases due to automated control intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the sensor continuously monitors the hopper for objects, the processor classifies detected objects in real-time, and the control system automatically adjusts actuator operation based on the classification results. When a non-refuse object is detected, the system sends a signal to adjust or pause the actuator, preventing hazardous compaction while maintaining operational safety.
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
Enables real-time identification and prevention of non-refuse objects, enhancing safety and compliance by halting or reversing compaction processes until confirmed as refuse, thereby preventing hazards and ensuring proper waste handling.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is an RFID sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle is described, comprising a body with a refuse compartment, a hopper for receiving refuse, an actuator for directing refuse within the body, a sensor mounted on the vehicle, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to capture sensor data of an object using the sensor, identify the object as non-refuse based on the sensor data, and upon detection of the object as non-refuse, send commands to adjust the actuator's motion.