Waste Collection Hopper Control Using Container Volume Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste collection vehicles face inefficiencies in activating the loading mechanism due to reliance on absolute fill level limits, leading to unnecessary activation, overfilling, and increased wear, energy consumption, and noise emissions.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection vehicle equipped with a sensor device and control system that determines the remaining hopper capacity and expected waste volume from identified waste containers, considering container type, weight, and time of emptying, to optimize loading mechanism activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the loading mechanism is activated based on absolute fill level limits, then the loading hopper is kept at a consistent fill level, but the loading mechanism is activated unnecessarily early, causing increased wear, energy consumption, and noise emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary assessment by identifying waste container types and estimating their volumes before the loading hopper reaches the absolute fill level limit. This allows the system to anticipate upcoming waste additions and delay loading mechanism activation until truly necessary, reducing unnecessary cycles while maintaining consistent fill levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation criterion transitions from a static absolute fill level threshold to a dynamic decision-making process that considers both current fill level and expected waste volume from identified containers. This dynamic approach adapts the activation point based on real-time conditions, optimizing the balance between maintaining consistent fill levels and minimizing unnecessary loading cycles.
2Extent of automation
If the loading mechanism is activated based on absolute fill level limits, then the system operates automatically, but the loading hopper may be overfilled and spill waste, requiring operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of waste containers and estimation of their volumes before the loading hopper reaches the fill level limit. This advance knowledge allows the control system to make informed decisions about when to activate the loading mechanism, preventing overfilling and spillage while maintaining automatic operation without operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the fill level and combines it with information about identified waste containers to create a feedback loop. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust activation timing dynamically, ensuring that loading occurs at the optimal moment to prevent overfilling while maintaining automatic operation.
3Extent of automation
If the loading mechanism is activated after a certain number of strokes, then the system operates automatically, but the fill level limit may be exceeded or fallen below depending on container volume and fill level
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of waste containers and estimation of their volumes before loading occurs. This advance information allows the control system to predict when the fill level limit will be reached and adjust activation timing accordingly, maintaining precise fill level control while operating automatically without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation criterion evolves from a fixed number of strokes to a dynamic decision based on real-time fill level monitoring and expected waste volume from identified containers. This dynamic approach maintains precise fill level control while enabling fully automatic operation that adapts to varying container volumes and fill levels.
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
Minimizes loading cycles, reduces wear, energy consumption, and noise emissions by ensuring the loading mechanism is activated only when necessary, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing operator waiting times.
Implementation Method 1
an optical recognition device arranged in the area of the filling opening is provided for identifying waste containers to be emptied
Implementation Method 2
a sensor device configured to determine the remaining capacity in the loading hopper
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a waste collection vehicle with a loading mechanism that transfers waste from a loading hopper into a collection chamber, a sensor device configured to determine the remaining capacity in the loading hopper, an optical detection device arranged in the area of the filling opening which is configured to identify waste containers to be emptied, and a control system configured to activate the loading mechanism as needed, depending on the identified waste containers and the remaining capacity of the loading hopper. This reduces wear, energy consumption, and noise pollution.