Solar-Powered Subsurface Refuse Collection System with Automated Hitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsurface refuse collection systems face challenges in performing automatic hitching of the truck's crane to the container, employing alternative energy sources for opening the cover, monitoring the system, and ensuring safety during collection.
Innovation Solution
The system features an underground bunker with a cover that can be automatically opened and closed using solar-powered gas or electro-hydraulic cylinders, an automated crane with a coupling system for automatic hitching, and safety devices to prevent accidental falls, along with load cells for weighing and probes for volume measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual hitching of the crane hook to the container bar is performed, then the system is simpler, but automation level and collection efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system enables automatic hitching where the crane's coupling device autonomously engages with the container's coupling ears through mechanical guidance features (grooves and ribs), eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the crane and container, featuring a horizontal arm that rotates 360 degrees and vertical arms with fluid-operated cylinders to facilitate automatic connection and disconnection through controlled mechanical movement
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar-powered cylinders are used to open and close the cover, then alternative energy sources are employed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual or purely mechanical cover opening mechanism is replaced with a solar-powered electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic cylinder system, converting solar energy into mechanical motion to automate the cover operation
Solution Approach 2:
The solar-powered cylinder system serves multiple functions: it can open and close the cover automatically, and the same mechanism can potentially assist in the collection process by coordinating with the crane operation, maximizing the utility of the added complexity
3Reliability
If safety devices are installed to prevent accidental falls, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is positioned to cover the bunker opening beforehand before the container is removed, creating a protective barrier that prevents accidental falls while allowing smooth operation of the collection process
4Measurement precision
If volume and weight measurement devices are installed, then system monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cells and volume measurement devices provide real-time feedback on refuse weight and volume, enabling automated route optimization and collection scheduling decisions based on actual deposit conditions
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
Enables efficient, single-operator collection with enhanced safety and system monitoring, utilizing solar energy for operation and providing precise weight and volume data for improved management of truck routes and refuse collection processes.
Implementation Method 1
a cover (2) with automatic opening and closing which can be powered electrically using a solar system
Implementation Method 2
gas or electro-hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 3
gas or electro-hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 4
load cells for weighing
Implementation Method 5
probes for volume measurement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a subsurface refuse collection system comprising an underground bunker (4), a refuse container (3), a deposit bin (1) and a cover (2) with automatic opening and closing which can be powered electrically using a solar system. The container (3) is collected by means of an automated crane (18) with automatic hitching to facilitate collection. The system is equipped with multiple devices to measure volume and weight of the refuse deposited in the deposit bin (1), for the purpose of system monitoring or improvements to the management of truck routes. It also includes a safety device to prevent accidental fails into the underground bunker during collection.