Robotic Trash Collection Using Camera Detection and Vacuum Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Collecting trash outdoors, such as at beaches and parks, is challenging due to the difficulty in spotting and collecting smaller pieces and the need for manual operation of large machinery that requires significant energy.

Innovation Solution

A robotic system comprising a vehicle with a camera, trash collection unit, actuator, and controller that moves along the ground to capture images of trash, adjust the position of a vacuum conduit, and operate a vacuum pump to collect trash efficiently, reducing the need for manual labor and energy-intensive machinery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual collection methods are used, then personnel can spot and collect smaller pieces of trash, but the collection process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrash collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for manual collection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system performs trash collection autonomously without human intervention. The vehicle navigates independently, the camera detects trash automatically, and the vacuum system activates self-service functionality to collect debris, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining collection effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical collection methods with an automated robotic system. The mechanical vacuum collection mechanism is controlled by electronic sensors and actuators, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electro-mechanical systems to improve efficiency and reduce time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If large machinery is used to collect trash, then collection capability is enhanced, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrash collection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption of collection machinery

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system segments the trash collection function into modular components: a compact vehicle platform, a targeted vacuum system, and a camera detection unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal energy consumption while maintaining overall collection capability, replacing the need for large energy-intensive machinery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the collection system by using a lightweight robotic vehicle with a targeted vacuum system rather than large heavy machinery. The vacuum pump operates at controlled suction levels activated only when trash is detected, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation of large collection equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If large machinery is deployed for trash collection, then collection power is increased, but the system requires significant energy to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection powerVSAvoidenergy requirement of collection system

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system employs dynamic activation of the vacuum pump based on real-time trash detection. The camera continuously monitors the environment and triggers the vacuum system only when trash is detected, creating a dynamic on-demand power system that maintains collection capability while minimizing energy requirements compared to stationary systems that must operate continuously at high power levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The robotic system effectively collects trash while minimizing manual effort and energy consumption, allowing for efficient removal of various types of debris from outdoor locations with minimal disruption to the ground surface.

Implementation Method 1

The trash collection unit includes a vacuum pump and a collection conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12006644B2Robotic systems and methods for collecting trash outdoors

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 BELLINGER WILLIAM DANIEL

AI summary

Robotic systems and methods for collecting trash are provided. The robotic system includes a vehicle, a camera, a trash collection unit, an actuator, and a controller. The vehicle includes a drive. The camera moves with the vehicle to capture images of the trash while the vehicle moves along ground. The trash collection unit is carried by the vehicle to collect the trash. The trash collection unit includes a vacuum pump and a collection conduit. The actuator is operatively coupled to the collection conduit to adjust a position of the collection conduit relative to the vehicle to position the collection conduit adjacent to the trash to collect the trash. The controller is coupled to the drive, the camera, the trash collection unit, and the actuator to coordinate movement of the vehicle, positioning of the collection conduit, and operation of the vacuum pump to collect the trash.