Refuse Collection Vehicle Alignment Using Can Detection Trajectories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse collection vehicles lack efficient systems for automatically detecting and engaging refuse cans, leading to manual intervention and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A refuse collection vehicle system equipped with sensors, actuators, and a controller that uses a single-stage object detector to identify refuse cans, determine their position, and generate trajectories for engaging them, enabling automated collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used for refuse can engagement, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The refuse collection vehicle is equipped with sensors, object detectors, and automated actuator assemblies that enable the system to detect, track, and engage refuse cans autonomously without manual intervention. The vehicle performs the collection task itself through self-service automation, improving productivity while managing complexity through integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems comprising sensors, processors, and actuators. The controller uses detected object data to generate trajectories and control actuator assemblies, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electromechanical systems that enhance operational efficiency
2Productivity
If automated detection and engagement systems are implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system and object detector are designed to detect multiple types of objects (refuse cans, obstacles, curbs) using the same hardware platform. The controller integrates multiple functions including trajectory generation, actuator control, and obstacle avoidance within a single automated system, reducing overall complexity through multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the sensor system and actuator assemblies, processing detected object data and generating appropriate control commands. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by centralizing decision-making logic and coordinating between different system components
3Speed
If single-stage object detectors are used, then detection speed improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and tracking of refuse cans using the single-stage object detector, identifying potential targets before precise engagement. The controller uses this preliminary detection data to generate trajectories and prepare actuator assemblies, ensuring both speed in detection and precision in final engagement positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include one or more processing circuits to detect a presence of a refuse can, determine a position of the refuse can with respect to a refuse collection vehicle, generate a trajectory that includes at least one path for the refuse collection vehicle to traverse to align the refuse collection vehicle with the refuse can, and present a user interface.