Intelligent Waste Disposal System with Dynamic Route Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waste disposal systems in urban areas are inefficient due to static collection schedules, leading to overfilled containers, infrastructure strain, and hygiene issues, as they do not adapt to varying fill levels or real-time conditions.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent waste disposal system equipped with sensors in garbage collection containers that transmit data to a program system for calculating optimal collection routes based on real-time parameters, including fill levels, location, and traffic data, and integrates manual actuators for flexible emptying requests and vacuum sealing for odor-proof storage, leveraging parcel delivery services for efficient waste handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed collection schedule is used, then the waste disposal system is simple to operate, but it leads to inefficient resource utilization and infrastructure strain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidwaste disposal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic route optimization by equipping waste containers with sensors that continuously monitor fill levels and transmit data to a central system. The collection routes are dynamically adjusted based on real-time sensor data, traffic conditions, and container locations, transforming the static fixed-schedule system into an adaptive dynamic system that optimizes collection efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors in waste containers monitor fill levels and communicate this information back to the central program system. This feedback enables the system to automatically recalculate and optimize collection routes in real-time, ensuring that collection vehicles only visit containers that need emptying, thereby improving productivity without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If collection routes are optimized based on sensor data, then waste disposal efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste disposal efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal program system that performs multiple functions: receiving sensor data from various containers, calculating optimal routes considering multiple parameters (fill level, location, traffic), communicating with collection vehicles, and adapting to different waste types and container configurations. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single centralized system rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The central program system acts as an intermediary between the sensors in waste containers and the collection vehicles. It processes sensor data, calculates optimized routes, and transmits instructions to vehicles, thereby mediating the interaction between the monitoring infrastructure and the collection operation. This intermediary approach manages system complexity by centralizing intelligence rather than requiring complex embedded systems in each container or vehicle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If waste containers are emptied on fixed schedules, then infrastructure planning is simplified, but it causes excessive strain when containers are full and waste is improperly stored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrastructure planning simplicityVSAvoidwaste storage reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring waste container fill levels through sensors and predicting when containers will reach capacity. The program system proactively plans and dispatches collection vehicles before containers overflow, ensuring timely emptying. This preliminary monitoring and prediction capability prevents the reliability issues of improper waste storage while allowing infrastructure to be planned based on actual rather than maximum capacity requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3401236B1Intelligent waste disposal system and method
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 FAUN UMWELTTECHNIK GMBH CO KG
  • EP3401236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3401236B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a waste disposal system comprising: at least one waste container equipped with at least one sensor for detecting at least one state parameter; at least one waste collection vehicle; and a program system for calculating an optimal route for the at least one waste collection vehicle, taking into account the data from the at least one sensor; wherein the waste disposal system further comprises at least one portable or stationary manual actuator for requesting the emptying of at least one associated waste container. The invention further comprises a method for waste disposal using the waste disposal system, wherein, by actuating the manual actuator, the route of the at least one waste collection vehicle is adjusted such that the emptying of the at least one waste container associated with the actuator is carried out within a definable time window.