Reverse Vending Buffer Lift Layout for Compact Container Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container return systems for recycling waste objects, such as reverse vending machines, require substantial space and complexity, are prone to fraud, and face issues with residual liquids affecting operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a container return system with a buffer and carrier arrangement that utilizes vertical space for transportation, allowing independent operation and efficient compaction, with devaluation means early in the material stream to prevent fraud and minimize contact with operational parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container return system delivers containers to a backroom receiving facility with substantial storage capacity, then the system can handle large numbers of waste containers, but the space requirement and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical lifting to transport containers from the container return system to storage locations above, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal expansion. This allows the system to handle large numbers of containers while maintaining a compact footprint and reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for extensive horizontal conveying and rerouting infrastructure.
2Volume of stationary object
If the container return system includes multiple means for sorting, crushing or compacting, conveying, rerouting, and storing, then the storage capacity increases, but the space requirement and complexity adds cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by lifting containers upward to storage locations above the container return system. This vertical stacking approach increases storage capacity without requiring additional horizontal space or complex conveying infrastructure, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The container return system itself is designed to perform multiple functions including sorting, crushing or compacting, and preparing containers for storage. By integrating these functions into a single system rather than using separate dedicated equipment for each function, the patent reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall system.
3Reliability
If the path of the received containers is protected from tampering to prevent fraud, then the reliability increases, but the complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies devaluation means early in the material stream, before containers leave the container return system. This preliminary devaluation action ensures fraud prevention is established at the source, eliminating the need for complex continuous monitoring and protection mechanisms along the entire transport path, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If the system requires frequent cleaning to prevent residue from impairing operation, then the reliability maintains, but the maintenance effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts containers from the container return system and transports them vertically to storage locations above, creating physical separation between the operational container return system and the storage area. This extraction reduces the number of contact points where residual liquids can accumulate, thereby reducing the frequency and effort required for cleaning maintenance while maintaining operational reliability.
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
The system reduces footprint, enhances storage capacity, decreases complexity, and improves maintenance efficiency by utilizing vertical space and minimizing contact with residual liquids, while preventing fraud and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier arrangement adapted to receive the waste object from the container return system at a first location having a first elevation, and adapted to transport and deliver the waste object to a second location for storage or further transport, the second location having a second elevation which is vertically seen higher than the first elevation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system (1) for collecting waste objects for recycling comprising a reverse vending machine, RVM (100), and a carrier arrangement (300; 350) adapted to receive a devaluated waste object (2) at a first location having a first elevation, and adapted to transport and deliver the devaluated waste object to a second location having a higher elevation than the first location and an inlet of the RVM (100). The system (1) further comprises a buffer arrangement adapted to receive the devaluated waste object (2) from the RVM (100) at a third location and to deliver the devaluated waste object (2) to the carrier arrangement (300; 350) at the first location. The carrier arrangement (300; 350) comprises at least one carrier adapted to move repeatedly between the first location and the second location. The disclosure further relates to a process of transporting and collecting waste objects (2).