Automating Waste Container Locks with Nested Electric Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection containers with mechanical locks require complex and invasive operations to upgrade to electronic or automated locks, often necessitating the replacement of the entire container.
Innovation Solution
A device for waste collection containers that automates existing mechanical locks by integrating an electric actuator, electronic board, and limit switch element, allowing for remote control and easy installation without replacing the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If mechanical locks are replaced with electronic or automated locks, then automation and remote control capabilities are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electric actuator, electronic board, and limit switch element into a compact assembly that fits within the existing mechanical lock structure. The electric actuator is positioned to work in conjunction with the mobile member of the mechanical lock, while the electronic board and limit switch are housed in a contained structure, creating a nested configuration that adds automation without proportionally increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric actuator as an intermediary device that translates electronic control signals into mechanical motion to operate the lock's mobile member. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between electronic control systems and mechanical locking components, enabling automation while maintaining compatibility with existing mechanical lock structures
2Ease of operation
If electronic actuators and control boards are integrated into existing mechanical locks, then remote access capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automation system into separate functional modules: an electric actuator for mechanical operation, an electronic board for control logic, and a limit switch element for position detection. These segmented components can be manufactured independently and then assembled together, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes compared to creating a fully integrated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electric actuator and electronic components to be pre-assembled and tested as a complete automation kit before installation on the waste collection container. The limit switch element is pre-configured to work with the motion transmission member, allowing for preliminary setup and validation that reduces on-site installation complexity
3Ease of repair
If limit switch elements are made removable and mechanically associable with motion transmission members, then ease of repair and maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic assembly where the limit switch element can be mechanically associated with or disconnected from the motion transmission member depending on maintenance needs. This dynamic configurability allows the limit switch to be easily removed for repair or replacement while maintaining a secure connection during normal operation, balancing ease of maintenance with operational reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for a waste collection container (100) or the like, wherein said waste collection container (100) is of the type comprising: - a container body (101) with an access mouth (102), - a lid (103) which is movably associated, preferably articulated, to the container body (101) so as to prevent or allow access from the outside to said mouth (102) of said container body (101), - a lock, preferably with gravitational activation, comprising a first unit (21) intended to be mounted on the lid (103) and a second unit (22) intended to be mounted on the container body (101), said lock being configured to switch, following an activation action or command, from a locked condition wherein said first unit (21) is locked on said second unit (22), thus preventing movement of the lid (103) with respect to the container body (101), to an unlocked condition wherein said first unit (21) is freed from said second unit (22), thus allowing the movement of the lid (103) with respect to the container body (101), and wherein said device (1) is characterised in that it comprises: - a containment structure (31) which is intended to be mounted on the inner side of the lid (103), - an electric actuator (51) with a rotating output shaft and an electronic board (40) for controlling said electric actuator (51), said electric actuator (51) and said electronic board (40) being housed inside said containment structure (31), - a motion transmission member (52) which is mounted, at least in part, externally to said containment structure (31) and which is actuated in rotation by said electric actuator (51) to move a mobile member (23) of said first unit (21) of the lock and thus cause said lock to switch from the locked condition to the unlocked condition, - a limit switch element (60) for the electric actuator (51), in particular for providing a limit switch control of the electric actuator (51), which is configured to be mechanically associated in a removable manner with said motion transmission member (52) and/or with the rotating output shaft of the electric actuator (51) so as to be rotationally integral with said transmission member (52).