RFID-Tagged Domestic Bin Coupling for Waste Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waste management systems face issues such as incorrect disposal of mixed waste in separate bins due to lack of access control, high costs of volumetric cap systems, and increased labor burdens in door-to-door collections, which lead to contamination and increased community costs.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines door-to-door collection with road bins using a domestic bin as the volumetric unit, equipped with an RFID tag for identification and a mechanical or electromechanical hooking device that allows secure coupling and uncoupling, preventing unauthorized waste disposal and reducing manual handling costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If volumetric cap systems with personalized electronic keys are used, then waste disposal measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste disposal measurementVSAvoidvolumetric cap system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex volumetric cap system and implements it through a simpler alternative: using the domestic bin's RFID tag for identification and volume reference, while removing the cap entirely. This eliminates the need for personalized electronic keys and complex locking mechanisms while maintaining measurement capability through the hooking device that couples the bin to the road bin structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The domestic bin serves multiple functions: it acts as the user's storage container, provides volumetric measurement reference through its RFID tag, and functions as the identification key for accessing the road bin. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement devices and access control systems, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If door-to-door collection is implemented, then waste type separation is improved, but labor costs and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste type separation efficiencyVSAvoidcollection system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges door-to-door collection benefits with road bin accessibility by allowing users to dispose of waste in road bins using their domestic bins as identification. This combination maintains waste type separation through RFID-tagged bin assignments while eliminating the need for manual door-to-door collection operations, reducing labor costs and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service waste disposal where users independently couple their domestic bins to road bins using hooking devices. The RFID tags automatically identify the user and bin type, eliminating the need for manual intervention by collection personnel while maintaining proper waste separation through the standardized bin designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If access control systems are installed on road bins, then waste disposal accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste disposal attributionVSAvoidbin access
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic access control systems with a mechanical hooking device that couples the domestic bin to the road bin structure. The RFID tag provides identification and measurement reference without requiring electronic keys or complex locking mechanisms, maintaining waste disposal attribution accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation for users including handicapped persons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system optimizes waste collection by ensuring accurate waste type association with users, reducing contamination, lowering costs, and improving accessibility for handicapped persons while maintaining efficient waste management.

Implementation Method 1

a univocal identification means, in particular an RFID tag (1), with which said bin is provided, configured to communicate and be recognized by corresponding recognition means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3480137B1A system for volumetric disposal of waste in road bins
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 FORESTI ANTONIO LUIGI PIERO MARIA
  • EP3480137B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3480137B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3480137B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A system for the volumetric disposal of waste in road bins off-soil and/or underground and/or partially underground, emptiable from above or from below, comprises, in conjunction: - one or more road bins provided with univocal identification means, such as, for example RFID or QRcode readers or a bar code or other elements adapted for the object; - one or more domestic bins provided with at least one RFID chip or a QRcode or a bar code or another element adapted for the object; wherein each road bin has the main emptying mouth made accessible for users by means of a cover or a bottom, which cannot be opened and which is further provided with at least one disposal opening associated with a hooking and release device for the domestic bin, configured to allow the volumetric disposal of the waste using the domestic bin itself as the volumetric unit of measurement only if the latter is recognized by means of said univocal identification means.