Collection Container System for Reusable Receptacles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Event organizers face challenges in efficiently collecting and managing reusable receptacles, such as beakers, bowls, and plates, at events, as they need to be kept out of waste streams, collected empty, and stored without taking up excessive space, often requiring minimal intervention from organizers, and incorporating user participation and payment systems.
Innovation Solution
A collection container system with labeled reusable receptacles that includes a disposal module with a label reader and selection flap, allowing only correctly labeled items to be collected and stored efficiently, while preventing foreign objects, and integrating with a payment system for user incentives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reusable receptacles are collected manually by event organizers, then the collection process can be controlled and monitored, but it requires significant organizational burden and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to automatically return reusable receptacles through the automated collection container. Users simply insert the receptacle into the disposal opening, and the system automatically identifies it via the label reader, validates it against the database, and routes it to the appropriate collector. This eliminates the need for event organizers to manually collect and monitor receptacles, significantly reducing organizational burden while maintaining collection control.
2Productivity
If reusable receptacles are collected without verification, then the collection process is simple and fast, but foreign objects and non-reusable items may be mixed in
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by scanning the label on the receptacle as it is inserted into the disposal opening. The label reader reads the identification information and compares it against the database of valid receptacles before the receptacle is fully processed. This preliminary action ensures that only valid reusable receptacles are routed to collectors, while foreign objects and non-reusable items are automatically ejected, maintaining both collection speed and purity.
3Device complexity
If reusable receptacles are not emptied before collection, then the collection process is simpler, but the receptacles require additional handling and are not dishwasher-ready
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal opening is designed with a specific geometry that creates an equipotential condition for receptacle insertion. The opening is shaped and oriented such that gravity and the insertion motion naturally cause the receptacle to empty its contents into the collection container's receiving area. This passive emptying mechanism ensures that all receptacles are emptied uniformly without requiring additional active emptying steps, making them dishwasher-ready while keeping the collection process simple.
4Volume of stationary object
If reusable receptacles are collected in a compact manner, then storage space is optimized, but the receptacles may be damaged or difficult to load into dishwashers
Solution Approach 1:
The collectors are designed with nested structures that allow reusable receptacles to be stacked one inside another in an organized manner. Each collector provides a designated nesting space where receptacles can be placed upright and nested securely. This nesting arrangement optimizes storage volume by vertically stacking receptacles while maintaining their structural integrity and accessibility for dishwasher loading, avoiding the damage that could occur from compacting or crushing them.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of collecting reusable receptacles based on information on a label provided on the reusable receptacles. To this end, the invention provides a collection container and a method for collecting the reusable receptacles. Furthermore, the invention also provides a method for providing and collecting reusable receptacles, as well as a kit which is suitable for this purpose.