Tilted Press Plate for Refuse Compactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical refuse collector and compactor devices face issues such as refuse falling on the compactor unit during insertion, inadequate compaction due to small pressing surface area, and insufficient pressing force, leading to malfunction and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A compact compactor unit design with a hinged construction of pivot links and a press plate that tilts and levels to minimize space requirements, allowing effective compaction without obstructing refuse insertion and featuring a shield system to prevent interference, with a sensor-activated mechanism for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the press element is positioned at a height only slightly above the top of the bin, then the device occupies less vertical space, but refuse can fall on top of the press element causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The press element is given a tilted orientation rather than being positioned horizontally at a fixed height. By tilting the press element upward toward the front, the lowest point is positioned away from the refuse insertion opening, allowing the press element to occupy minimal vertical space while its elevated front edge prevents refuse from falling onto it during insertion.
2Volume of moving object
If the press element covers only a small portion of the upper layer of refuse, then the hinged construction requires less space, but compaction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The press element is tilted upward toward the front of the device, extending its effective pressing surface area toward the refuse insertion opening. This tilted configuration allows the press element to cover a larger portion of the refuse surface without requiring a larger hinged construction, thereby improving compaction efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Volume of moving object
If the hinged construction is designed for compact footprint, then space efficiency is improved, but pressing force may be insufficient for desired compaction level
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged construction is designed to tilt the press element dynamically between a retracted position (when the bin is not full) and a pressing position (when the bin is full). In the pressing position, the tilted orientation of the press element allows the hinged construction to exert sufficient pressing force on the refuse while maintaining a compact footprint when not in use.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A refuse collector and compactor device (101) comprises a housing (102) to hold an exchangeable open topped bin (105). The housing has a front face (1021) with a refuse insertion opening (1022). A compactor unit (103) has a frame (10301) attached to the housing and pivot links (10302, 10304, 10307, 10313) as well as a press element (10306). A motorized actuator (10310) imparts to the press element a vertical motion from an upper retracted position to a lower pressing position and vice versa for compacting refuse.