Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste collection device that automatically manage and collect waste from a ground surface with minimal time consumption and features a mechanism for sorting recyclable materials from the waste and ensures thorough collection by scrubbing and extracting dirt from the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Waste collection is important for keeping our environment clean and organized. The collection of waste helps collect trash easily and efficiently, reducing litter in public places, homes, and workplaces. Equipment to collect waste sorts and dispose the waste, promoting recycling and reducing pollution. These equipment are essential for managing waste in both urban and rural areas, making the process faster and less messy. They also contribute to health and safety by minimizing the spread of harmful germs and odors..

[0003] Traditional waste collection methods usually involve manual labor where workers gather and transport waste in bags or bins. These methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and are lead to inefficiency in large-scale waste management. Sorting waste is often done by hand, which are result in contamination and reduce the effectiveness of recycling efforts. Traditional methods also lack proper storage, leading to spillage and exposure to harmful waste. Additionally, the transportation of waste is not always optimized, increasing fuel consumption and environmental impact. These limitations make traditional waste collection less efficient and harder to manage in urban settings with growing waste volumes.

[0004] US20070158253A1 discloses a transportable waste collection system for collecting waste found in a body of flowing water, including non-navigable waters, the system having a flotation platform adapted to floating in the body of water; a waste collection conveyor mounted on the platform having collection and discharge ends; a device for separating the waste from the body of flowing water and conveying the waste along the conveyor to the discharge end; a storage receptacle for storing the conveyed waste; and a water wheel interconnected with and providing power to the waste separation device.

[0005] CN205633753U discloses a categorized collection device of domestic waste, store garbage bins including collecting the room with a plurality of categorized collections that are used for collecting different grade type rubbish of placing in and, garbage bin top is stored in every categorized collection has one set to introduce the categorized refuse collection conveyor that the garbage bin was stored in the categorized collection rather than what correspond with the rubbish package, install vehicle actuated control system and language report system on collecting the room, just vehicle actuated control system and language report system are connected with microcomputer central control system respectively, categorized collection device of domestic waste still includes by the electronic scale of microcomputer central control system control, environmental protection accumulating card account management system module and total mark scanning and beats the sign indicating number system. As long as people all kinds of rubbish of categorized packing put the device put on by classification the platform on, just can collect into corresponding garbage bin respectively through all kinds of rubbish of computer automatic control messenger in, realize domestic waste's categorized collection completely.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to collect waste, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to segregate recyclable materials from the waste and includes a scrubbing feature to extract dirt from the surface, ensuring a thorough waste collection process.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to capable of efficiently managing and collecting waste from a ground surface in an automated manner, minimizing time consumption and segregates recyclable materials from the collected waste, ensuring that only non-recyclable materials are disposed of. Additionally, the device needs to be capable of scrubbing and extracting dirt from the ground surface, ensuring a complete and thorough waste collection.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of managing and collecting waste from a ground surface in an automated manner in least time consumption.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of segregating recyclable material from the collected waste.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of scrubbing and extracting dirt from the ground surface to ensure complete collection of waste from the ground surface.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a waste collection device facilitates automated waste collection from a ground surface with the least time consumption, accordingly segregate recyclable materials from the waste and further includes a scrubbing feature to extract dirt from the surface, ensuring a thorough waste collection process.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a waste collection device comprises of a cylindrical shaped housing positioned within a ground surface and developed to store waste positioned in proximity, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the housing and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of surroundings, a microcontroller linked with the imaging unit to determines presence of the waste, a robotic gripper installed over the housing to grip and collect the recyclable material within a chamber arranged within the housing, a motorized iris lid is installed over top portion of the housing that actuates to open in view of enabling the gripper to collect the recyclable material within the chamber, an motorized brush installed over the housing via a robotic link that actuates to scrub the detected dirt from the surroundings and collect in a container arranged within the housing and a suction unit configured with the brush and linked with the container.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of a level sensor is installed within each of the chamber and container to monitor level of the collected dirt and recyclable material, a pneumatic pusher installed within each of the container and chamber to compress the collected dirt and recyclable material, an LDR is installed over the housing to monitor light intensity in the surroundings, an LED light panel installed over the housing to emit light in the surroundings to maintain appropriate visibility in the surroundings, an PIR (Passive Infra-red) sensor is integrated with the housing to determine presence of any animal in the surroundings and in case of detection of the animal and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a waste collection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a waste collection device that is designed for efficient waste management, by collecting waste from a ground surface automatically, significantly reducing time spent and simultaneously separates recyclable materials from the waste and scrubs the ground to remove dirt, ensuring complete waste collection.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a waste collection device is illustrated, comprising a cylindrical shaped housing 101 having an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102, a robotic gripper 103 installed over the housing 101, a chamber 104 arranged within the housing 101, a motorized iris lid 105 installed over top portion of the housing 101, a motorized brush 106 installed over the housing 101 by means of a robotic link 107, a container 108 arranged within the housing 101, a pneumatic pusher 109 installed within each of the container 108 and chamber 104, and an LED light panel 110 installed over the housing 101.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a housing 101 preferably in cylindrical shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The housing 101 is utilized to store waste positioned in proximity. A user is required to place the waste in proximity to the housing 101. The housing 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or alloy that ensures rigidity of the housing 101 for longevity of the device.

[0024] A user is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the housing 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0026] After the activation of the device, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 integrated on the housing 101 for capturing multiple images of the surroundings to determine presence of the waste in the surroundings. The imaging unit 102 also determines the type of the waste including dirt and recyclable material The imaging unit 102 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 102 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller to determine presence and type of the waste in the surroundings.

[0027] The housing 101 is configured with a robotic gripper 103 and that is actuated by the microcontroller to grip the waste corresponding to recyclable material. The gripper 103 comprises an electric motor and linked with the microcontroller. The microcontroller provides a signal relating to the force, position, or the speed required of the gripping. The gripper 103 receives the signal and its motor carries out the gripping and collecting the recyclable material within a chamber 104 arranged within the housing 101.

[0028] The top portion of the housing 101 is arranged with a motorized iris lid 105. The microcontroller actuates the iris lid 105 in conjunction with the actuation of gripper 103 to collect the recyclable material within the chamber 104. The iris lid 105, mentioned herein, consists of a ring in bottom configured with multiple slots along periphery, multiple number of blades and blade actuating ring on the top. The blades are pivotally jointed with blade actuating ring and the base plate are hooked over the blade. The blade actuating ring is rotated clock and antilock wise by a DC (Direct Current) motor embedded in ball actuating ring which results in opening of the holes to collect the recyclable material.

[0029] The imaging unit 102 detects presence of dirt in presence of the surrounding. The housing 101 incorporates with a robotic link 107 integrated with a motorized brush 106. The microcontroller actuates the link 107 to position the brush 106 towards the region having dirt.

[0030] The robotic link 107 comprises, motor controllers, arm, end effector and sensors. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm that allows the upper part of the arm to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm and attached to the end effector thereby the end effector works as a hand to position the brush 106 in contact with the detected dirt.

[0031] The microcontroller then, the microcontroller then actuates a direct current (DC) motor associated with the brush 106 such that rotates an integrated hub of the brush 106 consequently results in rotation of the brush 106 to clean up the dirt.

[0032] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a suction unit configured with the brush 106. The brush 106 is linked with a container 108 arranged within the housing 101. The suction unit operates by creating negative pressure to draw in air or fluid through a suction inlet. It works on concept of a vacuum pump that generates the necessary suction force. When activated by the microcontrollers, the pump evacuates air from the suction inlet, creating a vacuum that causes atmospheric pressure to push the dirt towards the inlet. The collected dirt is consequently directed into the container 108 for disposal.

[0033] A level sensor is installed within each of the chamber 104 and container 108 to monitor level of the collected dirt and recyclable material. The level sensor, used herein, is a type of point sensor which detects the level of the chamber 104 and container 108 by measuring the amount of infrared light that is reflected back from the surface of the chamber 104 and container 108 into a photodiode of the sensor. The level sensor detects the level of the chamber 104 and container 108 and sends to the microcontroller in the form of electrical signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the signal of the detected level with a threshold level pre-fed in the linked database.

[0034] Each of the container 108 and chamber 104 are integrated with a pneumatic pusher 109. The pushers 109 are powered by a pneumatic arrangement associated with the device for providing extension/retraction of the pusher 109 as per requirement. In case the microcontroller evaluates the detected level of collected dirt and recyclable material exceeds a threshold level, the microcontroller actuates the pusher 109 via the pneumatic arrangement to compress the collected dirt and recyclable material.

[0035] The microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the pusher 109. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the pusher 109 and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the pusher 109 for compressing the collected dirt and recyclable material.

[0036] In case the container 108 and chamber 104 are further filled with the collected dirt and recyclable material, the microcontroller sends an alert notification to a computing unit accessed by a concerned authority. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module.

[0037] The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The Wi-Fi module contains transmitters and receivers that use radio frequency signals to transmit data wirelessly to the microcontroller. The wireless module typically includes components such as antennas, amplifiers, and processors to facilitate communication and further connected to networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks, allowing devices to exchange information over short or long distances.

[0038] The light intensity of the surrounding is monitored by an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) installed over the housing 101. The LDR comprises of a photodiode, wherein the photodiode is capable of measuring intensity of illuminance as when beam of sunlight strike the photodiode, then the photodiode has a tendency to loosen electrons causing an electric current to flow. More the intensity of sunlight, stronger is the electric current generated by the sensor, thereby monitors the light intensity of the surroundings.

[0039] In case the microcontroller evaluates the light intensity recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates an LED light panel 110 installed over the housing 101 to illuminate the surroundings. The LED (Light Emitting Diode) light panel 110 is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The intensity of the light is corresponding to the energy of the photons and is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor thereby illuminates lights with high intensity to maintain appropriate visibility in the surroundings for proper functioning of the device.

[0040] During the functioning of the device, an PIR (Passive Infra-red) sensor integrated with the housing 101, continuously monitors presence of any animal in the surroundings. The passive infrared sensor measures the infrared (IR) light radiating from an integrated emitter towards the surroundings and converts the bounced back radiation to measure value into electrical signals. The passive infrared sensor sends the signal to the microcontroller for processing. In case the microcontroller evaluates presence of the animal, the microcontroller directs the iris lid 105 to close in view of preventing entry of the animal within the housing 101.

[0041] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0042] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention includes the cylindrical housing 101 positioned on the ground to store waste, with the user instructed to place waste nearby. The imaging unit 102 is installed to capture and process images of the surrounding area, with the microcontroller determining the type and presence of waste, including dirt and recyclable material. The robotic gripper 103, guided by the microcontroller, collects recyclable materials into the chamber 104 within the housing 101, facilitated by the motorized iris lid 105 that opens to allow access. The motorized brush 106, mounted via the robotic link 107, scrubs dirt from the surroundings, which is then collected in the container 108 by the suction unit. The device includes level sensor, LDR and PIR sensor to monitor waste levels, light intensity, and detect animals, with notifications sent to the user or authorities if necessary. The device is designed to automate waste collection, including recycling, while maintaining cleanliness and functionality in the surroundings.

[0043] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A waste collection device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical shaped housing 101 positioned within a ground surface and developed to store waste positioned in proximity, wherein a user is required to place said waste in proximity to said housing 101;
ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 installed over said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of surroundings, wherein based on said captured images, a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 102, determines presence of said waste and in said surroundings along with type of said waste including dirt and recyclable material;
iii) a robotic gripper 103 installed over said housing 101 and directed by said microcontroller to grip and collect said recyclable material within a chamber 104 arranged within said housing 101, wherein a motorized iris lid 105 is installed over top portion of said housing 101 that actuates to open in view of enabling said gripper 103 to collect said recyclable material within said chamber 104; and
iv) an motorized brush 106 installed over said housing 101 by means of a robotic link 107 that actuates to scrub said detected dirt from said surroundings and collect in a container 108 arranged within said housing 101 by means of a suction unit configured with said brush 106 and linked with said container 108.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is installed within each of said chamber 104 and container 108 to monitor level of said collected dirt and recyclable material based on which said microcontroller actuates a pneumatic pusher 109 installed within each of said container 108 and chamber 104 to compress said collected dirt and recyclable material.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) is installed over said housing 101 to monitor light intensity in said surroundings and in case said monitored light intensity recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates an LED light panel 110 installed over said housing 101 to emit light in said surroundings to maintain appropriate visibility in said surroundings.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein an in case said monitored level exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller sends an alert notification to a computing unit accessed by a concerned authority.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an PIR (Passive Infra-red) sensor is integrated with said housing 101 to determine presence of any animal in said surroundings and in case of detection of said animal, said microcontroller directs said iris unit to close in view of preventing entry of said animal within said housing 101.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.