Waste Collection Equipment with Adjustable Lifting and Tilting Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste collection systems face challenges in unloading waste into containers of varying heights and lack accessibility for disabled persons, with upper doors used for both material introduction and release, complicating the control of outgoing flow.

Innovation Solution

A waste collection equipment with lifting and tilting mechanisms, featuring fluid-operated actuators and scissor-like mechanisms to adjust container height and orientation, along with separate accessible doors for easy material introduction and controlled release, and compacting means to manage waste volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the multi-tank structure rotates each tank to unload material, then the tanks can be emptied within collection containers, but the system cannot accommodate collection containers of varying heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different container heightsVSAvoidunloading mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the container support structure adjustable in height and position. The support structure can be moved vertically and horizontally to match different collection container heights, allowing the tank to unload material into containers of varying sizes without requiring complex rotation mechanisms for each tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it holds the tank, adjusts to different heights, positions the tank for unloading, and provides stability during operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall system complexity while improving adaptability.

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

2Ease of operation

If the upper door of tanks is used for both material introduction and release, then the structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult for disabled persons to introduce material and control of outgoing flow is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for disabled personsVSAvoiddoor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single upper door into two separate doors: a lower door for material introduction and an upper door for material release. This segmentation allows disabled persons to easily access the lower door for loading material, while the upper door can be controlled for unloading, improving accessibility and flow control without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the door system by placing one door above the other. This dimensional arrangement allows both introduction and release functions to be separated in space, enabling disabled persons to access the lower door comfortably while maintaining controlled release through the upper door.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the upper door is used for material release, then the structure is simplified, but the direction of the outgoing flow cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial release efficiencyVSAvoidflow control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the upper door dynamic and adjustable in orientation. The door can be rotated or angled to direct the outgoing material flow in different directions, allowing control over where the material is released while maintaining efficient unloading operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient unloading into any height container, facilitates easy material introduction for all users, and improves loading capacity and release efficiency by allowing independent lifting and tilting of containers and controlled material direction.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting means (4) are operable to move the bearing structure (2) between a lowered position, wherein the containers (3) are accessible by private and/or commercial users to introduce the material within the same, and a lifted position, wherein the bearing structure (2) can be mountable onto and demountable from a vehicle movable on wheels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic or pneumatic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

simultaneous lifting and tilting means (5) of each container (3)... able to move the relative container (3) between a loading position, wherein it is placed resting on the bearing structure (2), and an unloading position, wherein it is lifted and rotated with respect to the loading position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through scissor mechanism: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3157846B1Equipment for the containment of material
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 FORGHIERI SRL
  • EP3157846B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3157846B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3157846B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A piece of equipment (1) for the containment of material, comprising a bearing structure (2) which can be transported by means of a vehicle movable on wheels, a plurality of containers (3) for the collection of material supported by the bearing structure (2) and comprising means for the simultaneous lifting and tilting (5) of each of said containers (3), the latter being movable between a loading position, wherein they are placed resting on the bearing structure (2), and an unloading position, wherein they are lifted and rotated with respect to the loading position so as to allow the release of the material contained inside, where the lifting and tilting means (5) comprise at least a movement scissor (20) placed between the bearing structure (2) and at least one of the containers (3) and movable between a closed configuration, corresponding to the loading position of the relative container (3), and at least an open configuration, corresponding to the unloading position of the relative container (3), the scissors (20) comprising at least a first lever (21) and at least a second lever (22) hinged to each other and having a different length.