Suspended Collection Bin Weighing System for Waste Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection vehicles lack accurate and efficient systems for measuring the weight of materials collected, particularly in side and front loading configurations, which is crucial for recycling incentives and operational efficiency as landfill capacity diminishes and recycling becomes more critical.
Innovation Solution
A collection and scale system that includes a suspended collection bin with a weighing system and processor for side and front loading waste collection vehicles, utilizing load cells and a robotic arm for precise weight measurements, associating weights with data, and allowing for the identification and removal of improper materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weighing system is added to waste collection vehicles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system is integrated into the existing collection bin structure, allowing the bin to serve both as a container and a measuring device. The load cells are incorporated into the suspension mechanism, enabling the same structural elements to perform both support and weighing functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the weighing function with the collection bin by integrating load cells into the suspension mechanism. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate weighing equipment and reduces the overall complexity of the system while achieving accurate weight measurements within 5 pounds or less.
2Productivity
If automated weighing and data association is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically weighs materials and associates weights with container data without requiring manual intervention. The processor autonomously handles data correlation between the weighing system and container identification systems, improving productivity while minimizing the need for additional complex automation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback by associating weight measurements with container data through the processor. This feedback mechanism enables real-time tracking and monitoring of recycling materials, improving productivity through automated decision-making and reducing the need for manual data processing.
3Measurement precision
If load cells are integrated into the suspension mechanism, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension mechanism serves dual purposes: supporting the collection bin and providing weighing functionality through integrated load cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, potentially simplifying manufacturing despite the sophisticated measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing system is divided into modular components (load cells, processor, suspension elements) that can be manufactured separately and assembled into the collection bin. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each component while maintaining overall system integration and measurement precision.
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
Provides accurate weight measurements within 5 pounds or less, enabling efficient recycling tracking and operational optimization by allowing for precise material accounting and incentive programs, improving recycling efficiency and reducing manual errors.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a collection bin for a waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.