Waste Bin Sorting Mechanism for Paper Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste bins in public areas are inefficient in sorting waste paper products from other types of waste due to manual separation errors and language barriers, with existing solutions failing to reliably distinguish between different types of waste based on weight alone.

Innovation Solution

A waste bin equipped with a sorting space, a movable separation element, a physical property sensing mechanism, and a control system that moves waste to appropriate compartments based on detected properties such as size, weight, and physical characteristics, allowing for efficient and accurate sorting without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual waste separation is used with multiple compartments, then waste sorting is facilitated, but sorting accuracy deteriorates due to user errors and language barriers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste separation facilitationVSAvoidsorting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waste bin automatically detects waste type using sensors and autonomously directs waste to appropriate compartments without user intervention. The system self-services the sorting function that previously required human judgment, eliminating errors from user stress or language barriers while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual sorting system with an automated detection and sorting system using sensors (optical, acoustic, capacitive) and automated mechanisms. This substitution transforms the sorting process from manual operation to automated control, achieving both ease of operation and high sorting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If coarse separation by weight is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sorting precision deteriorates and cannot reliably separate waste paper products from other waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation mechanism simplicityVSAvoidwaste type discrimination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sorting function into multiple independent detection mechanisms (optical sensors, acoustic sensors, capacitive sensors) that each analyze different properties of waste. This segmentation allows comprehensive waste identification without requiring a single complex mechanism, balancing device simplicity with sorting precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waste bin employs multiple sensing mechanisms that can detect various physical properties of waste (optical characteristics, acoustic signatures, electrical capacitance). This multi-functional approach enables reliable differentiation of waste paper products from other waste types while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular sensor integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 waste bin achieves high accuracy in sorting waste paper products from other types of waste within seconds, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the recycling process in public areas.

Implementation Method 1

a physical property sensing mechanism for detecting a physical property of waste received in the sorting space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical property detection:

Implementation Method 2

The movable separation element is configured to move upon the application of an external force exceeding a threshold value, thereby establishing direct communication between the sorting space and the waste compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce threshold mechanism: Force

Implementation Method 3

a removal element for moving waste from the sorting space to the waste paper product compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transport: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11273977B2Waste bin and method of sorting waste paper products from other types of waste in a waste bin

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB

AI summary

A waste bin comprises a sorting space for sorting waste paper products from other types of waste, a movable separation element comprising a plurality of openings, a physical property sensing mechanism for detecting a physical property of waste received in the sorting space, a removal element for moving waste from the sorting space to a waste paper product compartment, and a control for controlling the movable separation element and the removal element. The movable separation element is configured to move upon the application of an external force exceeding a threshold value. The control is configured to operate the removal element or the movable separation element, based on a detection result of the physical property sensing mechanism. Further, a method of sorting waste paper products from other types of waste in such a waste bin is provided.