Waste Collection Vehicle Weight Estimation Using Activation Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring waste weight in waste collection vehicles are inefficient and costly, requiring additional sensors and precise weight measurements at incineration plants, which can be bypassed by estimating weight based on activation time and operation mode of the waste collecting mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A system that estimates waste weight by specifying operation modes (intermittent or continuous activation) of the waste collecting mechanism, acquiring activation time, and correlating it with weight information, using a server to calculate weight without requiring additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight measurement is performed using traditional methods (sensors or incineration plant measurement), then weight information can be obtained, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical measurement systems (sensors, scales) with an information processing system that calculates waste weight based on operational data. The processor computes weight information by integrating mounting activation time, vehicle speed, and operation mode, substituting physical measurement infrastructure with computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste collection vehicle's existing operational data (mounting activation time, speed, operation mode) is utilized to self-determine waste weight without external measurement systems. The vehicle's own operational parameters serve as the basis for weight calculation, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices or external verification at incineration plants.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed for real-time weight measurement, then accurate weight information is obtained, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the waste collection vehicle's existing operational systems multi-functional. The mounting activation detection, speed sensing, and operation mode identification systems serve dual purposes: their primary function for waste collection operations and a secondary function for waste weight determination. This eliminates the need for dedicated weight measurement sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical weight sensors are replaced with an information processing approach that uses existing operational data. The processor integrates data from existing systems (mounting activation, speed, operation mode) to compute weight information, avoiding the need for additional mechanical or electronic sensing hardware.
3Measurement precision
If weight measurement is done at incineration plants, then weight information is obtained, but time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs waste weight determination during the waste collection process itself, rather than after delivery to incineration plants. By calculating weight information in real-time based on mounting activation time and operation mode, the system obtains weight data before the collection trip is complete, eliminating post-collection measurement steps and associated delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical process of weighing at incineration plants with an information-based calculation system. By using operational data (mounting activation time, vehicle speed, operation mode) processed by a computer, the system determines weight without requiring physical measurement infrastructure at destination facilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating weight information of waste, includes a processor configured to: specify one of a plurality of modes as an operation mode of a waste collection vehicle, the plurality of modes including: a first mode in which waste is collected at a plurality of spots by activating a mounting on the waste collection vehicle for a shorter period of time than a predetermined period of time at each of the spots; and a second mode in which waste is collected by continuously activating the mounting for the predetermined period of time or longer; acquire an activation time during which the mounting on the waste collection vehicle has been activated in the specified operation mode; and acquire information on a weight of the waste based on the activation time and the operation mode.