Sensor Device Thermal Barrier for Waste Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart waste container sensor systems face challenges such as operating in extreme temperatures, high humidity, and the need for efficient retrofitting, as they are often not designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and require complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a thermal barrier, including an air gap and reflective metal foil, is mounted on the upper portion of the waste container to maintain a workable temperature, and a method involving a mounting tool for easy installation, allowing for remote monitoring and communication of waste levels, temperature, and atmospheric conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensor devices are mounted directly to the waste container lid, then installation is simple, but the sensor device is exposed to extreme temperatures and high humidity causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor device and the waste container lid. The bracket includes a thermal barrier (air gap and/or insulating material) that mediates the thermal interaction, protecting the sensor device from extreme temperatures while maintaining a secure mechanical connection for simple installation.
2Reliability
If the waste container is sealed to prevent animals and insects, then public health is protected, but condensation occurs on internal surfaces due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier (air gap and/or insulating material) is extracted from the direct contact between the lid and sensor device, creating a thermal isolation layer. This extraction prevents heat transfer from the hot lid to the sensor device, eliminating the condensation problem while maintaining the sealed container for public health protection.
3Loss of energy
If molded plastic waste containers are used for thermal insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but the containers become extremely hot when exposed to sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the thermal properties of the entire container, the solution applies a localized thermal barrier (air gap and/or insulating material) specifically at the sensor device mounting location on the lid. This local quality change protects the sensor from high temperatures while maintaining the overall thermal insulation properties of the plastic container.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensor devices are retrofitted to existing waste containers, then smart waste collection is enabled, but installation complexity increases due to container variety
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate various waste container lid sizes and shapes. The bracket serves multiple functions: mechanical attachment, thermal insulation, and condensation prevention, providing a one-size-fits-all solution that simplifies retrofitting across different container types without increasing installation complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures the sensor device operates effectively in hostile conditions, maintains a stable temperature, and facilitates easy retrofitting of existing waste containers, enhancing waste collection efficiency and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
provides an air gap, which functions as a form of thermal insulation, between the lid and the sensor device
Implementation Method 2
The underside surface of the lid is also provided with a reflective metal foil, for example Aluminium foil, heat-reflecting layer
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor device (40) for remote monitoring of a waste container (10), the sensor device (40) comprising one or more sensors (70) for sensing an amount of waste (80) and an environment within the waste container (10), a data processing unit (100) for processing sensor signals indicative of the amount of waste (80) and the environment within the waste container (10), a communication interface (90) for enabling the sensor device (40) to communicate information corresponding to the sensor signals to a remote location (40). The sensor device (40) is mounted to an upper lid (20) of the waste container (10) in a spaced apart manner by placing one or more spacing elements (50) and a heat reflecting layer arranged between the senor device (40) and the upper lid (20) to provide a thermal barrier between an underside surface of the waste container lid (20) and the sensor device (40).