Rotating Waste Container Hatch for Urban Aesthetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underground waste collection containers with protruding terminals are not aesthetically pleasing in high-tourist areas, and their design does not effectively integrate with the urban landscape, while also occupying valuable space.

Innovation Solution

A waste collection container with a rotatable terminal that can be moved between a protruding insertion position and a retracted position, allowing it to be completely hidden under the public highway, featuring a quarter-cylinder design to maintain terminal dimensions and support pedestrian loads, and utilizing autonomous drive and power systems for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the terminal protrudes from the tank to allow waste introduction, then waste collection functionality is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste introduction accessibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal is made movable between a protruding position (for waste introduction) and a retracted position (for aesthetic appearance). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its shape based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between functionality and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the terminal protrudes from the tank, then waste introduction is enabled, but space occupation on public highway increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste introduction accessibilityVSAvoidspace occupation on public highway

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal can be retracted into the tank when not in use, minimizing the space it occupies on the public highway. This dynamic retraction capability reduces the effective footprint of the waste collection system during non-operational periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the terminal is made movable between protruding and retracted positions, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidterminal movement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to pivot between protruding and retracted positions. This dynamic element enables aesthetic integration while managing complexity through a relatively simple rotational joint design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If the terminal is shaped as a quarter cylinder, then space efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal volume efficiencyVSAvoidterminal fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal is shaped as a quarter cylinder, utilizing curved surfaces to maximize waste reception volume while minimizing space occupation. This geometric form provides efficient volume utilization, though it requires more complex manufacturing compared to simple rectangular shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2542483B1Waste-collection container having a mobile filling hatch

Publication Date: 2016.10.26 COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a waste-collection container (10) which includes a waste-storage vessel (12), intended for being placed under the street, and a filling hatch (26) which is rotatably mobile relative to the vessel between a filling position, in which said hatch projects from an upper wall (18) of the vessel, and a retracted position, in which the hatch is placed inside the vessel.