Remote Trash Compactor Control for Adaptive Energy Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trash compactor and receptacle systems are inefficient, leading to high operational and service costs due to poor utilization, static design, and lack of adaptability, resulting in unnecessary collection trips and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system and network architecture for electrically-powered trash compactors and receptacles that allow for real-time data collection and transmission, enabling customized operation and energy management, including compaction scheduling, energy usage optimization, and sensor adjustments based on environmental and usage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trash compactors and receptacles use static design and operational parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to environment and evolving standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operational parameters that can be remotely adjusted based on environmental conditions, waste types, and usage patterns. The compactor system transitions from static to dynamic operation, allowing real-time modification of compaction cycles, energy consumption, and operational schedules to adapt to changing conditions without requiring physical redesign of the device
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple functions including waste compaction, environmental sensing, wireless communication, and remote programmability. This multi-functionality allows a single device to adapt to various waste types, locations, and operational requirements, enhancing versatility while managing complexity through integrated design
2Ease of operation
If costly components such as motors, batteries and sensors are used to power compactor or communicating device, then operational functions are enabled, but implementation and service costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compactor system monitors its own operational status, energy levels, and component health through integrated sensors and microcontrollers. It autonomously manages battery charging cycles, optimizes motor usage based on waste volume detection, and communicates maintenance needs, reducing the need for expensive external monitoring systems and lowering service costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as motor power consumption, sensor activation frequency, and communication intervals based on waste accumulation levels and environmental conditions. This parameter optimization reduces energy consumption and extends battery life, decreasing the need for costly high-capacity components while maintaining full operational functionality
3Loss of information
If communications components are used frequently, then control and monitoring capabilities are improved, but communications costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting data at optimized intervals based on waste accumulation rates and operational status changes. The system sends communications only when significant state changes occur, reducing network usage and costs while maintaining effective monitoring and control capabilities
4Reliability
If collections are made to receptacles that are not full, then service frequency is maintained, but time and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor waste volume levels and provides real-time feedback to the collection management system. This feedback enables dynamic scheduling of collection trips based on actual receptacle fullness, allowing reliable service maintenance while eliminating unnecessary trips to partially full receptacles, thus reducing time and resource waste
5Adaptability or versatility
If standard receptacles and compactors are used, then device availability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to various locations and operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable operational parameters that can be remotely configured to suit different locations and waste types. The system adapts compaction force, cycle duration, and energy consumption based on environmental conditions and operational requirements, providing flexibility without requiring custom hardware designs for each application
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for controlling electrically-powered trash compactors and receptacles. The system first receives data associated with a storage receptacle configured to communicate with the system via a network, wherein the data is received from a server storing information transmitted by the storage receptacle, the storage receptacle having an energy storage for powering operational functions performed by the storage receptacle. The system then identifies a parameter of the storage receptacle associated with an operational function of the storage receptacle, and transmits a signal to the storage receptacle for modifying the parameter based on the data associated with the storage receptacle to yield a modified operation of the storage receptacle.