Rotating Cylinder Receptacle Collection for Fast Label-Based Returns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for collecting reusable receptacles at events face inefficiencies, including long queues and increased staff intervention, with a need for efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective collection methods that ensure deposit refunds and minimize waste volume.
Innovation Solution
A collection container with a rotating cylinder system that aligns slots with disposal openings, label readers, and collectors, allowing stacks of reusable receptacles to be scanned and collected efficiently, while preventing fraud and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reusable receptacles are collected manually with staff intervention, then the collection process can be controlled and monitored, but the operational costs increase and the collection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to automatically return receptacles and receive deposit refunds through the automated collection container without staff intervention. Users simply insert receptacles into the disposal module, and the system automatically processes them through the rotating cylinder mechanism, scans labels, and dispenses refunds, making the entire collection process self-service oriented
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical collection processes with an automated system featuring a rotating cylinder with multiple slots, automatic label scanning capability, and integrated refund dispensing. The rotating cylinder mechanism automatically transports receptacles through different processing positions, eliminating the need for manual handling and monitoring by staff
2Productivity
If multiple receptacles are processed simultaneously, then the collection efficiency increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is divided into multiple discrete slots (first slot, second slot, third slot) on the rotating cylinder, each capable of independently holding and processing one receptacle. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple receptacles across different slots while keeping each individual slot compact in size
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a rotating cylinder configuration that adds rotational dimension to the processing space. Multiple slots are arranged around the cylinder's circumference, allowing the system to process multiple receptacles simultaneously by rotating the cylinder to bring different slots into position, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently
3Ease of operation
If a deposit system is implemented, then users are motivated to return receptacles, but the system complexity and refund processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads refund amounts into the disposal module before users return receptacles. When receptacles are inserted and processed, the corresponding refunds are already prepared and can be immediately dispensed without requiring separate verification or processing steps, significantly reducing refund processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to users by automatically scanning receptacle labels, verifying them against the deposit database, and dispensing refunds in real-time. This instant feedback loop reinforces user motivation to return receptacles by providing immediate tangible rewards
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the field of collecting large amounts of reusable receptacles based on information on a label affixed to the reusable receptacles. To this end the invention provides a collection container (1) for reusable receptacles (2), said reusable receptacles (2) being provided with a label (3) which bears information, the collection container (1) comprising at least one disposal module (5) and at least one collector (6); whereby the disposal module (5) comprises a rotating cylinder (8), and wherein the rotating cylinder at least comprises a first slot (9), for receiving a stack (4) of reusable receptacles (2), and whereby the rotating cylinder further rotates between at least two positions; wherein in the first position the first slot (9) aligns with a disposal opening (7) in the collection container, and wherein in a second position the first slot (9) aligns with a reusable receptacle detector, preferably a label reader (12). The invention further also provides a method for collecting reusable receptacles, as well as a kit suitable to this end.