Waste Container Display Device for Collection Preference Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection systems face challenges in providing fair pricing for waste producers, as bins are often emptied unnecessarily, leading to incorrect billing, due to the lack of a robust and durable method for users to indicate collection preferences, especially when bins are left unattended or on vacation.
Innovation Solution
A waste container with a display device on its wall, featuring movable elements that indicate collection preferences through distinct colors or messages, integrated into the container for durability and ease of use, along with locking mechanisms to ensure authenticity and prevent unauthorized access or emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a colored fabric bandage is used to indicate collection preference, then the user can indicate their wish for collection, but the bandage is easily torn off or damaged due to weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the disposable fabric bandage with a durable, integrated display device that is permanently attached to the container. The display device uses a movable element with colored portions (green for collection desired, red for collection not desired) that cannot be easily removed or damaged like fabric bandages.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is merged with the container structure itself, making it an integral part of the container rather than a separate attachable item. The movable element is housed within a casing that is fixed to the container, ensuring the indication system remains securely in place under all weather conditions.
2Extent of automation
If an electronic chip and reader system is used to determine collection frequency, then automated billing is achieved, but empty bins are billed unnecessarily when left parked on sidewalks
Solution Approach 1:
The user sets the display device in advance to indicate whether collection is desired or not desired, before the collection truck arrives. This preliminary indication allows the automated system to respect user preferences and avoid unnecessary collections of empty bins, preventing incorrect billing.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device provides visual feedback to the collection operator about the user's collection preference. The colored movable element (green or red) communicates the user's wish directly to the collector, creating a feedback loop that prevents automated systems from making incorrect collection decisions.
3Reliability
If the display device is made robust and integrated into the container, then durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into distinct functional components: a casing fixed to the container, a movable element with colored portions, blocking means for securing the element, and activation means inside the container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element is designed to be manipulatable by the user from inside the container without requiring external tools or complex mechanisms. The user can simply move the element between positions (green or red) to indicate their preference, and the blocking means automatically secures it in place, making the system self-service and easy to use despite being integrated into the container.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a waste container comprising a bin that is open at its upper end and a lid (30) that can move about a horizontal axis relative to the bin between a closed configuration in which it closes the upper end of the bin and an open configuration. The container also comprises, on one of its walls that are visible from the outside when the lid is closed, a display device (38) comprising at least one element (42) that can be moved between two indication positions.