Waste Container Lifting Mechanism for Clean Bottom Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waste collection systems face challenges in reconciling the functions of unloading and posting waste, as the upper part of containers is soiled during emptying, leading to premature aging and incompatibility with electronic components due to mechanical stresses, and aesthetics issues.

Innovation Solution

The system separates the unloading and posting functions by using lateral lifting means with rotatable arms that keep the container vertical, allowing for progressive opening of the emptying hatch without reversing the container, enabling efficient and robust operation while maintaining cleanliness and allowing for electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If containers are emptied by tipping them over (top-loading emptying), then emptying speed is improved (45 seconds), but the upper part of the container becomes soiled and requires robust construction that compromises aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying speedVSAvoidaesthetics of container upper part

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into two distinct functional zones: the upper part for waste deposition by users (kept clean and aesthetically pleasing) and the lower part for emptying operations (where the discharge hatch is located). This spatial segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of emptying from the top (inverting the container), the system empties from the bottom by lifting the container vertically and opening a discharge hatch at the lower end. This inverted emptying approach keeps the upper part clean while achieving rapid emptying through automated bottom discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the upper part of the container is made robust to withstand tipping stresses, then durability is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate due to massive components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of containerVSAvoidaesthetics of container

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The emptying operation is inverted from top-loading to bottom-discharge. By locating the discharge hatch at the lower end and lifting the container vertically rather than tipping it, the upper part is relieved of violent mechanical stresses. This allows the upper part to be constructed with lighter, more aesthetic materials while the lower part handles the mechanical demands of emptying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Extent of automation

If electronic components are installed in the container for automation and data collection, then automation level is improved, but the components are damaged by mechanical stresses during container tipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of waste collectionVSAvoidsurvival of electronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the emptying mechanism from tipping to vertical lifting with bottom discharge, the violent mechanical shocks that would damage electronic components are eliminated. Electronic devices for automation and data collection can be safely installed in the container without protection against impact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Productivity

If containers are lifted over the vehicle's passenger compartment for emptying, then emptying function is achieved, but operational time increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of waste collectionVSAvoidoperational time for lifting and emptying

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The emptying function is extracted from the upper part of the container and relocated to the lower end. This allows the container to be emptied by opening a discharge hatch at the bottom while the container remains in a simpler vertical position, eliminating the need for complex overhead lifting and turning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of lifting containers overhead and emptying from the top, the system lifts containers vertically and empties from the bottom. This inverted approach simplifies the mechanical operations, reduces operational time, and eliminates the need for complex overhead maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3476768B1Waste collecting and emptying system

Publication Date: 2023.08.02 ZUKUNFT INVESTMENTS

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AI summary

A waste collection and emptying system combining a truck-type vehicle (10) comprising, on the one hand, a chassis equipped with lifting means (11) for containers (20) and waste storage means (12), and on the other hand, containers (20) parked in waste collection areas and whose base has at least one emptying hatch (22). The vehicle (10) includes lifting means (11) that can be applied to at least one lateral face of the container (20), equipped with attachment means (21) capable of maintaining the container (20) substantially vertical during movement between a parked position and an emptying position.