Waste Container Wheel Load Cells for Accurate Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste container measurement systems face issues with inaccurate weight measurements, interference from external components, limited retrofit capabilities, and high costs, making it difficult to determine the weight of waste and schedule timely emptying.
Innovation Solution
A weight-measurement system that integrates scale devices with load cells into the wheel assemblies of waste containers, communicating with a remote computer to accurately determine the weight of waste contents and provide notifications or automatic scheduling for emptying based on preset limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight measurement systems are added to waste containers, then weight measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scale devices are integrated into the wheel assemblies of the waste container, combining the weighing function with the existing mobility structure. This merging approach allows weight measurement capability to be added without requiring separate external measurement systems, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assemblies serve dual purposes: providing mobility for the waste container and functioning as scale devices for weight measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measurement components, resolving the contradiction between adding measurement capability and increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If external measurement components are added to waste containers, then measurement capability is improved, but interference issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the scale devices into the existing wheel assemblies rather than adding external components, the measurement system becomes part of the container's core structure. This eliminates interference issues associated with external attachments while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional scale devices are installed in waste containers, then weight measurement is enabled, but retrofit capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assemblies, which are standard components on most waste containers, are designed to incorporate scale devices. This universal approach allows the measurement system to be retrofitted into various waste container types without requiring custom installation procedures, thereby improving adaptability and versatility.
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
The system provides accurate and cost-effective weight measurements, reducing unnecessary emptying and fines by enabling precise tracking of waste weight, optimizing waste collection schedules, and preventing overloading.
Implementation Method 1
The scale devices can be provided by load cells for example load-pin load cells used as axles for wheels mounted to a base frame supporting the waste container
Data Source
AI summary
A weight-measurement system for inclusion or use with a waste container includes scale devices in communication with a remote computer via a communications module. The scale devices can be provided by load cells for example load-pin load cells used as axles for wheels mounted to a base frame supporting the waste container so that the wheeled base frame serves as a scale platform for the waste container. The remote computer can be programmed to receive from the load cells, via the communications module, weight data representing the total weight of the waste container and its waste contents, then deduct the known weight of the waste container when empty, to determine the actual weight of the waste contained in the waste container. And the computer can be programmed for providing a notification if a preset waste weight limit is met or neared and automatically scheduling emptying by a waste-collection vehicle.