RFID and GPS Waste Container Asset Tracking System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Waste management services lack an automated method to track and maintain inventory of waste containers, identify their locations, and prevent service interruptions due to missing containers.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses RFID tags or barcodes for waste container identification, combined with GPS and wireless communication, to create and update asset inventories, track container positions, and manage deployments and decommissions, minimizing service disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual tracking methods are used for waste containers, then implementation cost is low, but inventory accuracy and real-time location tracking deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal RFID tags that can be applied to all waste containers regardless of type or customer, providing a standardized tracking mechanism across the entire fleet. This multi-functional approach enables simultaneous tracking, identification, and inventory management for thousands of diverse containers through a single system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with automated electronic RFID reading systems. RFID readers mounted on collection vehicles automatically detect and record container identifiers without human intervention, eliminating the need for manual logging and significantly improving inventory accuracy while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If automated tracking systems are implemented, then real-time location monitoring is improved, but implementation and operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer location informationVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tags are passive and self-powered, requiring no battery or external energy source. They automatically respond to reader signals and provide identification information without requiring active maintenance, power management, or complex operational procedures from the waste management staff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses RFID readers as intermediary devices mounted on existing collection vehicles to bridge the gap between containers and the central management system. These readers automatically capture container data and transmit it through existing communication infrastructure, avoiding the need for direct complex point-to-point tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If containers are moved without knowledge of the service provider, then operational flexibility is improved, but asset security and inventory control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory controlVSAvoidcontainer deployment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback to the central management system whenever a container is read by an RFID reader on a collection vehicle. This automatic feedback mechanism ensures that all container movements are recorded and tracked, maintaining reliable inventory control while allowing containers to be freely deployed and collected without manual authorization procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 tracking and management of waste containers, reducing the risk of lost assets and ensuring continuous service by automating the inventory process and location monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

The identification mechanism includes at least one of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a barcode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID):

Implementation Method 2

The computer is configured to receive global positioning system (GPS) data, which is stored as position data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGlobal positioning system (GPS):

Implementation Method 3

A second computer receives from the computer, via wireless transmission, and stores the waste container identifier and the position data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS7511611B2Systems for and methods of asset management in a waste management service environment

Publication Date: 2009.03.31 FLEETMIND SEON SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention includes an identification mechanism, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or barcode, associated with a waste container. The identification mechanism contains an identifier that can be used to identify the waste container, and that can be read by a vehicle with an identification reader. In addition, the location of the waste container can be determined using a GPS receiver. The waste container identifier and its corresponding location can then be stored in a computer for later transmission to a second computer, for example, by using a wireless communication link. The second can be used to associate the waste container identifier and the waste container's position with a customer.