Waste Container Lid Sensor Assembly for Energy-Efficient Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waste container monitoring systems are inefficient in terms of energy usage, responsiveness, decentralization, and reliability, as they do not accurately account for variable waste accumulation and often require unnecessary emptying trips, leading to wasted resources.
Innovation Solution
A waste container equipped with a sensor arrangement in the lid that includes a first sensor to detect lid openings, activating second sensors for filling level determination only when needed, along with a control device and radio device to optimize emptying trips and provide self-sufficiency through energy harvesting, and additional sensors for hazard detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are continuously operated to monitor fill level, then monitoring reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on system state. The second sensor operates in energy-saving state during normal conditions and switches to active operating state when the lid is opened, providing reliable fill level measurements only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operation, the second sensor performs periodic measurements triggered by lid opening events. The sensor alternates between active measurement mode and energy-saving state, achieving monitoring reliability through event-driven periodic action rather than continuous operation.
2Speed
If fill level monitoring is performed continuously, then responsiveness to waste accumulation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first sensor continuously monitors lid opening events as a preliminary trigger. When lid opening is detected, this preliminary action activates the second sensor to perform fill level measurement, ensuring responsiveness to waste accumulation events while maintaining energy efficiency through conditional activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the lid opening event itself as the trigger for measurement. The waste container's own usage pattern (lid opening) services the monitoring function, eliminating the need for continuous external power-intensive monitoring while maintaining responsiveness to actual waste disposal events.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed for comprehensive monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into two distinct sensor roles: the first sensor detects lid opening events, and the second sensor determines fill level. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity compared to using a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement provides multiple functions through coordinated sensors: lid opening detection and fill level measurement. The control device integrates these functions, switching the second sensor between energy-saving and active states based on first sensor input, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Productivity
If sensors operate in active state continuously, then demand-responsiveness is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives feedback from the first sensor about lid opening events and adjusts the second sensor's operation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the second sensor operates in active state only when demand exists (lid opened), maintaining demand-responsiveness while preventing energy waste during periods when the container is not in use.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a waste container with a lid and a sensor arrangement integrated into the lid, comprising a first sensor designed to detect when the lid is opened and at least one second sensor designed to determine the fill level and/or the fill level of the waste container. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for monitoring a waste container.