Segmented Disposal Column for Underground Waste Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underfloor refuse collection devices lack an efficient mechanism for managing the opening and closing of the receptacle for waste disposal, which can lead to accidents during emptying and inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

The device features a retractable and extendable throw-in column with movable elements that create or release a throw-in opening depending on the movement, allowing for controlled filling and emptying of the receptacle, with a drive device enabling independent or coupled movement of the column elements, and optionally includes a mechanism for portioning waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the disposal column is made retractable and extendable with movable elements, then safety and controlled access are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal column is divided into multiple movable elements that can independently move relative to each other. These segmented elements work together to create or close the throw-in opening, providing controlled access while maintaining safety. The segmentation allows the system to achieve complex safety functions through simpler individual component movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disposal column transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system with retractable and extendable elements. The movable elements can change position based on operational requirements, enabling the opening to be created or closed as needed. This dynamic capability enhances safety by allowing controlled access rather than permanent open structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the disposal column elements move independently or coupled, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can move disposal column elements independently when needed, or move them in a coupled manner for coordinated operation. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt its operation mode based on the specific task requirements, improving operational efficiency without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the disposal column is divided into multiple elements, then space usage and waste portioning are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace usageVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal column is divided into multiple discrete elements that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation enables better space utilization as the elements can be arranged to fit available space, and allows for portioning of waste through selective movement of individual elements. The modular nature of segmented construction actually simplifies manufacturing compared to creating a single large complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2939954B1Insertion column for an underground refuse collecting device and underground refuse collecting device
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 ESE WORLD BV
  • EP2939954B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2939954B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2939954B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A disposal column (20) for an underground waste collection system (10) wherein the disposal column (20) is divided into two or more disposal column elements (21, 24), and wherein the two or more disposal column elements (21, 24) are movably arranged and provided in such a way that they are able to release or create a disposal opening (29) by virtue of their movement.