Selectively Enabled Waste Container With Integrated Latch Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection containers face issues with synchronized management of locks based on user type, leading to high energy consumption, mechanical malfunctions, and vulnerability to tampering, particularly when users attempt to open the mechanism before completing identification.
Innovation Solution
A selectively enabled container design featuring a locking mechanism with a latch system and sensor devices that differentiate between domestic and non-domestic users, using electric servomotors and sensors to manage the unlocking process efficiently and securely, minimizing energy expenditure and preventing fraudulent access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate locks are installed to manage different user types (domestic and non-domestic), then selective access control is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking unit that serves both domestic and non-domestic users. The locking unit includes a cover lock for general access and a partializing element lock for selective access, both managed through one unified electromechanical system rather than two independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock the cover for all users, lock the partializing element for non-domestic users only, and selectively enable/disable the lever based on user type. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking systems while maintaining selective access control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate locks are installed for synchronized management, then user-specific access control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of two separate locks into a single electromechanical locking unit that is managed by one microcontroller. This unified system consumes less energy than two independent locking systems operating in parallel, while still providing differentiated access control for domestic and non-domestic users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic identification cycles where users present their ID, and the microcontroller determines the appropriate locking state based on user type. This periodic activation rather than continuous operation reduces energy consumption while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is activated before user identification is complete, then user convenience is improved, but mechanical malfunctions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary user identification and authentication before activating the unlocking mechanism. The microcontroller verifies the user's ID and determines the appropriate access level before enabling the lever or cover lock, preventing premature mechanical activation that could cause malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller continuously monitors the identification status and locking state. The lever is only enabled when the microcontroller receives proper identification and determines that unlocking is appropriate, providing feedback control that prevents mechanical errors.
4Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism allows operation without complete identification, then user convenience is improved, but vulnerability to tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system (the microcontroller and electronic interface) between the user's physical action on the lever and the actual unlocking mechanism. The microcontroller acts as a mediator that verifies identification and controls the unlocking sequence, preventing direct tampering with the mechanical components while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical coupling between the lever and locking mechanism with an electronic control system. The microcontroller and electronic interface substitute for pure mechanical transmission, allowing the system to verify identification and control unlocking electronically, thereby reducing vulnerability to mechanical tampering.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A partializing element (5) operating between the cover (3) and the vessel (2) of the container (1), is movable between an operating condition in which it partializes access to the vessel, and a distancing condition therefrom. A locking mechanism (12) of the cover is selectively deactivatable to unlock the cover with respect to the vessel. A selector unit (25) comprises a fixed portion (26), a movable portion (27) and an intermediate portion (28), connected to the vessel (2), to the cover (3) and to the partializing element (5). The intermediate portion (28) carries a latch (29) movable between a first and a second operating position in which it locks the intermediate portion (28) respectively to the fixed portion (26) and to the movable portion (27). An electronic control unit (8) is configured to control, in response to the identification of a code belonging to a first or, respectively, a second series, the selective positioning of the latch (29) in the first or, respectively, in the second operating position, together with the deactivation of the locking mechanism (12).