Rotatable Column Waste Bin Handling Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current side-loading waste collection machines face challenges in accurately positioning and moving waste bins due to significant approach and centring errors, leading to misalignment and increased space requirements, which poses safety risks and logistical issues.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotatable column element and hinge system that allows for the framework to incline and rotate, enabling precise gripping and lifting of bins regardless of their position, along with adjustable rotation and translation mechanisms to minimize space between bins and facilitate correct repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If standard large stationary bins with pin lifting system are used, then waste collection capacity is improved, but public space occupation and traffic logistics problems increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste collection capacityVSAvoidpublic space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the gripping device itself movable through translation and rotation mechanisms. The device can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to approach bins from various angles and distances, eliminating the need for large fixed infrastructure while maintaining effective waste collection capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dimensional flexibility by enabling the gripping device to move not only linearly but also rotate about axes, adding rotational degrees of freedom. This allows the device to access bins in three-dimensional space from multiple approaches, reducing the ground space footprint while preserving collection capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If manual manoeuvres are performed to grip and align bins, then bin positioning is achieved, but operator workload and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebin positioning capabilityVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the gripping device to automatically perform translation and rotation maneuvers to align with and grip bins. The system self-adjusts its position and orientation without requiring operator intervention for manual positioning, thereby reducing workload and eliminating safety risks associated with manual operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through sensors and control systems that monitor the device's position and orientation relative to the bin. This feedback enables automatic adjustment and alignment, ensuring safe and accurate gripping operations without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If significant space is maintained between bins, then machine access for gripping is improved, but urban space efficiency and aesthetic impact deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine access for grippingVSAvoidspace between bins
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the gripping device to move closer to bins through translation mechanisms, dynamically adjusting its approach distance. This allows the device to operate effectively in tighter spaces between bins without requiring fixed large clearance zones, thereby improving urban space efficiency while maintaining access capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces rotational movement that allows the device to approach bins from angled directions rather than only from the front. This dimensional flexibility enables the device to access bins in tighter configurations, reducing the required lateral space between bins while preserving gripping effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4015414B1Device for handling and emptying containers for the collection of waste
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 PINZAUTI FEDERICO
  • EP4015414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4015414B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4015414B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is a device (1) for moving and emptying bins for collecting waste which comprises a load-bearing frame (2) designed to be associated with a vehicle (101) for collecting waste which supports a column element (3) rotatable about its own axis of symmetry (30) using rotation means (12). The column element (3) supports a framework (4) which can be oriented, relative to the axis of symmetry (30), about a hinge (13). The hinge (13) in turn defines a direction of rotation (10) substantially parallel to the ground (T). There are also lifting and gripping means (8, 9, 18, 19) for a bin (C) for the waste to be emptied connected to the framework (4) and transfer means (2A, 22) for the column element (3) and for the hinge (13) relative to the position of the bin (C).