Waste Container Indicator Elements for Automated Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste collection containers lack effective indicator elements for providing qualitative and quantitative information about the contents, especially in automated waste collection systems, leading to inefficiencies in handling and identification of waste fractions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of detachable indicator elements, including L-shaped reflector elements and colored indicators, on the waste collection containers, which provide visual cues for automated systems and allow for identification of waste fractions, even when lids are open or removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If indicator elements are attached to the lid device, then information can be provided about the container state, but the indicator elements become invisible or inaccessible when the lid is open or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element is divided into two separate parts: a first part attached to the container body and a second part attached to the lid device. These parts can be spatially separated when the lid is open, yet still function together to provide visible information about the container state (empty, partially filled, or full).
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element extends in multiple spatial dimensions with a first part positioned near the container body and a second part positioned near the lid device. This dimensional arrangement ensures that at least one part remains visible and accessible regardless of whether the lid is closed or open, solving the contradiction between information visibility and ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the container body is made from recycled materials, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the visual appearance and color consistency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element incorporates color-coded components (first part and second part can have different colors) that provide clear visual information about the container state. This compensates for any visual inconsistencies in the recycled container body material, allowing the indicator to convey precise information regardless of the container's appearance variations.
3Productivity
If automated lift systems are used for waste collection, then collection efficiency is improved, but the systems require reliable visual indicators to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with simple optical/visual indicator elements that provide reliable information to automated lift systems. The color-coded, spatially distributed indicator parts allow automated systems to reliably determine container state (empty, partially filled, full) through visual detection, enhancing both productivity and 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
Enhances the ability of waste collection containers to interact with automated systems, ensuring accurate identification and handling of waste fractions, even in industrial environments where lids are often open, and supports the use of recycled materials by providing clear visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
L-shaped reflector elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates, inter alia, to a waste collection container (10), in particular a large waste collection container, having a container body (11) comprising a side wall, a container bottom (18) and an insertion opening, and comprising a lid device (24) for closing the insertion opening. Meanwhile, it has become common practice to provide waste collection containers (10) with different indicator elements by means of which different information regarding the waste collection container (10) is provided. According to the invention, the waste collection container has, among other things, an indicator system comprising different types of indicator elements (44, 50, 51, 52).