Vacuum Waste Inlet Access Control via RFID Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional waste fraction management systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively handling multiple waste fractions, particularly smaller fractions like batteries and hazardous waste, due to the need for separate inlets and complex handling processes, which are economically and technically impractical.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum operated waste collection system utilizing a common waste inlet with information reading means to identify and manage multiple waste fractions based on a preset time schedule, allowing access only during designated times, and temporarily storing packages above a discharge valve for controlled conveyance to a shared collection container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate waste inlets are provided for different waste fractions, then waste fraction separation is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste fraction separationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single common waste inlet that serves multiple waste fractions through temporal separation. The inlet is equipped with information reading means (RFID readers, barcode scanners) and control means that identify waste packages and control access based on preset schedules, allowing one inlet to handle multiple fractions sequentially rather than requiring separate inlets for each fraction type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses information reading means to identify waste packages before they enter the inlet. RFID tags or barcodes on waste packages are read and verified against a preset fraction time schedule, allowing the control means to preemptively open or close the inlet door based on the identified fraction type and current time, preventing mixed waste entry before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate waste inlets are provided for different waste fractions, then waste fraction separation is improved, but investment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste fraction separationVSAvoidinvestment costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single common waste inlet that serves multiple waste fractions through temporal separation. The inlet is equipped with information reading means (RFID readers, barcode scanners) and control means that identify waste packages and control access based on preset schedules, allowing one inlet to handle multiple fractions sequentially rather than requiring separate inlets for each fraction type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses information reading means to identify waste packages before they enter the inlet. RFID tags or barcodes on waste packages are read and verified against a preset fraction time schedule, allowing the control means to preemptively open or close the inlet door based on the identified fraction type and current time, preventing mixed waste entry before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If access to waste inlet is always allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but waste fraction mixing occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidwaste fraction separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses information reading means to identify waste packages before they enter the inlet. RFID tags or barcodes on waste packages are read and verified against a preset fraction time schedule, allowing the control means to preemptively open or close the inlet door based on the identified fraction type and current time, preventing mixed waste entry before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control means continuously monitors the identified waste fraction type and compares it with the current time against the preset schedule. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the inlet door state (open/closed) in real-time based on whether the current fraction type is permitted at the current time, ensuring separation reliability while maintaining ease of operation for authorized waste types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enables secure, cost-effective, and efficient collection of various waste fractions, reducing investment and space requirements while ensuring environmentally safe handling.

Implementation Method 1

vacuum operated waste collection system in which waste is intermittently conveyed from at least one waste inlet (2) through waste transport piping (3) to a waste collection container (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2387538B1Waste fraction management
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 EHNVAK AB
  • EP2387538B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2387538B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2387538B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method for managing waste (W) deposited in disposal packages (6-F1, 6-F2, 6-F...6-Fn ) and introduced into a vacuum operated waste collection system (1) wherein waste is conveyed through transport piping (3), from waste inlets (2) to a waste collection container (5) for storing waste before removal and wherein the disposal packages carry readable information (7-F1, 7-F 2, 7-F 3...7-Fn ), disposal packages containing one of multiple waste fractions (F1, F2, F...Fn ) are received through a common waste inlet, subsequent to identifying each disposal package by comparing read waste fraction information carried thereby and being unique for each fraction, with stored fraction data, comparing the identified disposal packages to a fraction time schedule for matching package information to fraction time schedule time periods belonging to the respective fraction, whereby access to the waste inlet is allowed for each package during the time periods belonging thereto and is blocked for each package at all other times.