Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to house garbage collection vehicles, specifically to a house garbage collection vehicle, and a method of collecting garbage.
Description of Related Art
[002] Garbage collection has traditionally relied on manual methods, where operators physically lift and dispose of garbage bins into collection vehicles. This process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, particularly in areas with a high volume of waste. However, traditional garbage collection methods present various challenges. The manual lifting of heavy garbage bins poses risks of fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries for operators, compromising their health and safety. Inconsistencies and inefficiencies in collection schedules can lead to missed or irregular pickups, resulting in poor waste management practices and environmental concerns.
[003] One significant drawback of traditional garbage collection systems is the lack of automation and remote operation capabilities. These systems heavily rely on the physical capabilities of operators, limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of collection operations. The absence of remote-control options further hampers optimization and flexibility in garbage collection.
[004] Prior art references have attempted to address some of these limitations. EP0096014A3 discloses a garbage collection truck that provides an effective waste management solution. However, there is a need for additional functionalities to enhance convenience and optimize vehicle performance, streamlining the collection process for operators.
[005] US10800605B2 describes an extendable lift arm assembly for front-end loading refuse vehicles. While it offers a solution for heavy dustbins, its applicability is limited to larger bins, reducing versatility in waste management operations.
[006] US7611126B2 describes a lift device and pneumatic actuator; however, the prior art reference exhibits limitations in accurately capturing bins automatically. Manual adjustments are often required, leading to inefficiencies and potential risks during collection. Enhancements to the lifting mechanism are necessary to achieve precise and reliable bin capturing, improving overall operational efficiency.
[007] Thus, there is a need for an improved and advanced to address the aforementioned limitations and administer garbage collection in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a house garbage collection vehicle. The vehicle comprising: a garbage collection compartment arranged at a rear side of the vehicle. The vehicle further comprising: a robotic arm attached to the garbage collection compartment, and movable to lift a garbage bin from a ground location to a loading position to dispose of garbage in the garbage collection compartment. The vehicle further comprising: an input interface adapted to enable an operator to provide input commands to operate the robotic arm, remotely. The vehicle further comprising: a control unit operably connected to the input interface. The control unit is configured to: receive the input commands from the input interface. The control unit is further configured to generate one of a first activation signal, a second activation signal, a third activation signal, or a fourth activation signal based on the received input commands. The control unit is further configured to enable a first actuator to move the robotic arm in an upward and a downward direction upon generation of the first activation signal. The control unit is further configured to enable a second actuator to move the robotic arm in a forward and backward direction upon generation of the second activation signal. The control unit is further configured to actuate a third actuator to tilt the robotic arm at a user-specified angle upon generation of the third activation signal. The control unit is further configured to actuate a gear motor for enabling a bin holder to perform a holding mechanism for holding the garbage bin upon generation of the fourth activation signal.
[009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for collecting garbage using a house garbage collection vehicle. The method comprising steps of: receiving input commands from an input interface; generating one of a first activation signal, a second activation signal, a third activation signal, or a fourth activation signal based on the received input commands; enabling a first actuator to move a robotic arm in an upward and a downward direction upon generation of the first activation signal; enabling a second actuator to move the arm in a forward and backward direction upon generation of the second activation signal; enabling a third actuator to tilt the robotic arm at a user-specified angle upon generation of the third activation signal; and actuating a gear motor for enabling a bin holder to perform a holding mechanism for holding the garbage bin upon generation of the fourth activation signal.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present invention provide a house garbage collection vehicle for effective waste management.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a house garbage collection vehicle that is cost-efficient and easy to use.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a house garbage collection vehicle that incorporates advanced automation and remote operation capabilities.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a house garbage collection vehicle that features a robust and durable construction.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a house garbage collection vehicle that is designed for spill-free collection of garbage.
[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0016] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a house garbage collection vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the house garbage collection vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 1C illustrates a rear perspective view of the house garbage collection vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 1D illustrates wheels of the house garbage collection vehicle;
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a control unit of the house garbage collection vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for collecting garbage using a house garbage collection vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a house garbage collection vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 may be a municipal vehicle and may be adapted to provide an efficient and automated garbage collection process. The vehicle 100 may be a private vehicle for picking up the garbage. In an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 100 may be capable of picking up and emptying garbage bins or containers by receiving input commands from an operator. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 100 may be used for directly picking up garbage and discarded objects from a roadside, a dumping ground, and so forth.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the operator may be a driver of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 100 may be driven by the driver, and the operator may be located away from the vehicle 100, at a remote location. In some embodiments of the present invention, the operator may operate the vehicle 100 from the remote location. In such embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle 100 may be unmanned.
[0030] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 100 comprises a garbage collection compartment 102, an operator compartment 104, wheels 106a-106n (hereinafter referred to as the wheels 106), a robotic arm 108, an arm holder 110, an auxiliary arm 112, a bin holder 114, an input interface 116, a control unit 118, a first actuator 120, a second actuator 122, a third actuator 124, and a gear motor 126.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the garbage collection compartment 102 may be positioned at a rear side of the vehicle 100 to facilitate efficient storage and disposal of the collected garbage. The garbage collection compartment 102 may be designed to accommodate various sizes and types of garbage bins commonly used in waste management, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the garbage collection compartment 102 may comprise partitioned chambers (not shown) for disposal of different types of garbage. The partitioned chambers may be, but not limited to, a dry chamber, a wet chamber, a hazard chamber, a glass chamber, a medical waste chamber, a sanitary-related chamber, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any partitioned chambers for the disposal of different types of garbage, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] The garbage collection compartment 102 may be constructed using durable materials to handle a weight of the disposed garbage. The garbage collection compartment 102 may be constructed using a material that may be a steel, an iron, an aluminum, a high-density polyethylene, or so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the garbage collection compartment 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The garbage collection compartment 102 may be a shape, that may be a rectangular shape, a cylindrical shape, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the garbage collection compartment 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] The garbage collection compartment 102 may comprise smooth interior surfaces for easy cleaning and maintenance, in an embodiment of the present invention. The garbage collection compartment 102 may comprise a flap 128 for easy access and secure closure during transportation.
[0034] The operator compartment 104 in the house garbage collection vehicle 100 may be designed to accommodate an operator who controls and operates the vehicle 100 during the garbage collection process. The operator compartment 104 may provide a dedicated space for the operator to carry out tasks comfortably and efficiently. The operator compartment 104 may be designed with ergonomic considerations, aiming to provide a comfortable working environment that minimizes operator fatigue and maximizes productivity. In an embodiment of the present invention, the operator compartment 104 may comprise a seat (not shown). The seat may be equipped with features for enhanced comfort during extended periods of operation. The features of the seat may be, but not limited to, a height adjustment, lumbar supports, armrests, and so forth. The operator compartment 104 may also be designed to provide sound insulation and vibration dampening to reduce noise and vibrations, contributing to a more comfortable working environment for the operator.
[0035] The wheels 106 may provide mobility to the vehicle 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, there may be the wheels 106 two in number. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 100 may be a two-wheeler vehicle. In an embodiment of the present invention, there may be the wheels 106 four in number. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 100 may be a four-wheeler vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any number of the wheels 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm 108 may be connected to the rear portion of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm 108 may be positioned to a side of the vehicle 100. The robotic arm 108 may be connected to the garbage collection compartment 102 and may be controlled remotely by the operator. In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm 108 may be elongated to ensure a sufficient reach for lifting the garbage bins from the ground locations to the loading position in the garbage collection compartment 102. The robotic arm 108 may be constructed using a material that may be the steel, the iron, the aluminum, the high-density polyethylene, or so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the robotic arm 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm 108 may comprise multiple joints (not shown). The joints may provide flexibility in the robotic arm 108. The robotic arm 108 may get folded with a help of the joints, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm 108 may be a single continuous piece without any individual joints.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the arm holder 110 may hold the robotic arm 108, and may allow the arm to be flexible based on the input commands received from the operator. The arm holder 110 may securely hold the robotic arm 108 in place while allowing it to be flexible based on the input commands received from the operator. The arm holder 110 may be designed as a connector that may provide a stable and adjustable connection between the robotic arm 108 and the garbage collection compartment 102.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary arm 112 may be attached to the robotic arm 108, and may be designed to enable the robotic arm 108 to extend in the forward direction. The auxiliary arm 112 may be connected to the robotic arm 108 through the arm holder 110, and may allow controlled extension and retraction of the robotic arm 108 as required during the garbage collection process, in an embodiment of the present invention. This design may facilitate an efficient positioning of the robotic arm 108 and may enable the robotic arm 108 to reach and collect the garbage bins from different ground locations and deposit the garbage from the garbage bins into the garbage collection compartment 102. The auxiliary arm 112 may be constructed using a material that may be the steel, the iron, the aluminum, the high-density polyethylene, or so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the auxiliary arm 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bin holder 114 may be adapted for performing a release mechanism to release the garbage bin safely and effectively after it has been emptied into the garbage collection compartment 102. The bin holder 114 may be designed to securely hold the garbage bin during the lifting and emptying process. Upon receiving instructions from the control unit 118, the bin holder 114 may activate a release mechanism to gently release the garbage bin back onto the ground.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the input interface 116 may be a user-friendly interface that may enable the operator to provide input commands to operate the robotic arm 108 and other functions of the house garbage collection vehicle 100 remotely. In an embodiment of the present invention, the input interface 116 may be arranged in the operator compartment 104. In another embodiment of the present invention, the input interface 116 may be remotely located.
[0042] The input interface 116 may comprise non-limiting functional elements such as buttons (not shown), switches (not shown), a touch-screen display (not shown), and so forth for allowing the operator to provide input commands through the input interface 116. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the functional elements may be assigned with a specific function, that may "arm up," "arm down," "open flap," "close flap," and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any function for the functional elements, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. When the operator presses or flips one of the functional elements, a corresponding electrical signal may be generated and transmitted to the control unit 118 in form of the input commands.
[0043] The control unit 118 may be a central processing unit of the house garbage collection vehicle 100. The control unit 118 may be configured for receiving the input commands from the operator through the input interface 116, in an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 118 may process the received input commands and may generate activation signals. The generated activation signals may be a first activation signal, a second activation signal, a third activation signal, a fourth activation signal, a fifth activation signal, a sixth activation signal, and so forth. The control unit 118 may coordinate actions of various components, including the first actuator 120, the second actuator 122, the third actuator 124, and the gear motor 126, to ensure smooth and synchronized operation during the garbage collection process.
[0044] According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 118 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 118 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the components of the control unit 118 may be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the input interface 116 may transmit the input commands may be transmitted to the control unit 118 through a communication network (not shown). According to embodiments of the present invention, the communication network may be, but not limited to a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the wired communication network may be enabled by means such as, but not limited to, a twisted pair cable, a co-axial cable, an Ethernet cable, a modem, a router, a switch, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the means that may enable the wired communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the wireless communication network may be enabled by means such as, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a millimeter waves communication module, an Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) communication module, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the means that may enable the wireless communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first actuator 120 may be adapted to enable a vertical movement of the robotic arm 108. Upon receiving the first activation signal from the control unit 118, the first actuator 120 may move the robotic arm 108 in an upward or a downward direction. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first actuator 120 may be a linear actuator. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first actuator 120 may be, but not limited to an electrical actuator, a mechanical actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first actuator 120 may be a hydraulic actuator. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the first actuator 120 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second actuator 122 may be adapted to enable a horizontal movement of the robotic arm 108. Upon receiving the second activation signal, the second actuator 122 may move the robotic arm 108 in a forward direction or in a backward direction. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second actuator 122 may be the linear actuator. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second actuator 122 may be, but not limited to the electrical actuator, a mechanical actuator, the piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second actuator 122 may be the hydraulic actuator. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the second actuator 122 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the third actuator 124 may be designed to tilt the robotic arm 108 at a user-specified angle. Upon receiving the third activation signal from the control unit 118, the third actuator 124 adjusts the arm's inclination, enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the robotic arm 108 during the garbage collection process. In an embodiment of the present invention, the third actuator 124 may be the electric actuator. In an embodiment of the present invention, the third actuator 124 may be, but not limited to the mechanical actuator, the piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third actuator 124 may be the hydraulic actuator. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the third actuator 124 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gear motor 126 may be adapted to perform the holding mechanism of the bin holder 114. Upon receiving the fourth activation signal, the gear motor 126 may enable the bin holder 114 to grip the garbage bin while it is lifted and emptied into the garbage collection compartment 102.
[0050] The flap 128 may be operated manually, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the flap 128 may be connected to a fifth actuator (not shown). The fifth actuator may receive the activation signal from the control unit 118, and may actuate the flap 128, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the house garbage collection vehicle 100 may be equipped with a buzzer 130 to indicate the completion of the garbage collection process. The control unit 118 may activate the buzzer 130 to notify residents that the garbage collection process for a particular area or route has been successfully completed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the buzzer 130 may be activated with the closure of the flap 128. As the flap 128 is actuated either manually by the operator or automatically by the fifth actuator, the buzzer 130 may be triggered simultaneously to indicate the completion of the garbage collection process.
[0051] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the house garbage collection vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The garbage collection compartment 102 may be positioned at the rear side of the vehicle 100, as previously described. The garbage collection compartment 102 may be an extended and reinforced compartment to accommodate a larger volume of garbage, thereby reducing the frequency of unloading and enhancing overall efficiency.
[0052] FIG. 1C illustrates a rear perspective view of the house garbage collection vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 may comprise an extended bottom frame 132. The extended bottom frame 132 may provide a structural support to enhance a stability of the vehicle 100. The extended bottom frame 132 may be constructed using a material that may be the steel, the iron, the aluminum, the high-density polyethylene, or so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the extended bottom frame 132, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0053] FIG. 1D illustrates the wheels 106 of the house garbage collection vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 106 may be equipped with high-traction treads to improve grip and traction. This allows the vehicle to traverse challenging surfaces that may be, a wet road, a slippery road, gravel roads, uneven terrains, and so forth.
[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the control unit 118 of the house garbage collection vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 118 may comprise a data receiving module 200, a signal generation module 202, an actuation module 204, a reset module 206, and an ignition module 208.
[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to receive the input commands from the operator through the input interface 116. Further, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to transmit the received input commands to activate the signal generation module 202, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] The signal generation module 202 may generate one or more of the first activation signal, the second activation signal, the third activation signal, the fourth activation signal, and the fifth activation signal. Upon generation of the activation signals, the signal generation module 202 may transmit the activation signals to the actuation module 204. The actuation module 204 may receive the generated activation signals and enable instigation of one or more of the first actuator 120, the second actuator 122, the third actuator 124, and the gear motor 126. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the first activation signal is received by the actuation module 204, the actuation module 204 may instigate the first actuator 120 that may enable to move the robotic arm 108 in the upward and the downward direction. This may allow the robotic arm 108 to perform a lifting and lowering actions for the garbage bin collection. In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuation module 204 may enable the second actuator 122 to move the robotic arm 108 in the forward and backward direction when the second activation signal is received. Further, upon receiving the third activation signal, the actuation module 204 may enable the third actuator 124 to tilt the robotic arm 108 at the user-specified angle. Additionally, upon reception of the fourth activation signal, the actuation module 204 may actuate the gear motor 126, and may further enable the bin holder 114 to securely hold the garbage bin in place.
[0057] Moreover, upon reception of the fifth activation signal, the actuation module 204 may activate the gear motor 126, that may further enable the bin holder 114 to perform the release mechanism for releasing the garbage bin after completing the garbage collection process, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] Upon completion of the garbage collection process, the actuation module 204 may transmit a completion signal to a reset module 206. Upon receiving the completion signal, the reset module 206 may generate the sixth activation signal to actuate the robotic arm 108 to return to its initial position after completing the garbage collection process. The robotic arm 108 at the initial position may allow the vehicle 100 to move freely and unobstructed. When the robotic arm 108 is at the initial position, the robotic arm 108 may be typically retracted and secured, not extending beyond boundaries of the vehicle 100. By having the robotic arm 108 in its initial position during vehicle movement, the risk of collisions with obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles is significantly reduced. The vehicle 100 may traverse through narrow streets, alleys, and congested areas more efficiently without the extended arm obstructing its path.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the reset module 206 may transmit an engine start signal to the ignition module 208 when the robotic arm 108 is detected to be in the initial position. The ignition module 208 may allow an engine (not shown) to be started upon reception of the engine start signal as a confirmation that the robotic arm 108 is in a safe position.
[0060] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for collecting the garbage using the house garbage collection vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] At step 302, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may receive the input commands from the input interface 116.
[0062] At step 304, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may detect if the first activation signal is generated. Upon generation of the first activation signal, the method 300 may move to a step 306. If the first activation signal is not generated, the method 300 may move to a step 308.
[0063] At the step 306, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may enable the first actuator 120 to move the robotic arm 108 in the upward and the downward direction upon detection of the first activation signal.
[0064] At the step 308, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may detect if the second activation signal is generated. Upon generation of the second activation signal, the method 300 may move to a step 310. If the second activation signal is not generated, the method 300 may move to a step 312.
[0065] At the step 310, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may enable the second actuator 122 to move the robotic arm 108 in the forward and the backward direction upon detection of the second activation signal.
[0066] At the step 312, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may detect if the third activation signal is generated. Upon generation of the third activation signal, the method 300 may move to a step 314. If the third activation signal is not generated, the method 300 may move to a step 316.
[0067] At the step 314, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may enable the third actuator 124 to tilt the robotic arm 108 at the user-specified angle upon detection of the second activation signal.
[0068] At the step 316, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may detect if the fourth activation signal is generated. Upon generation of the fourth activation signal, the method 300 may move to a step 318. If the second activation signal is not generated, the method 300 may return to the step 302.
[0069] At the step 318, the control unit 118 of the vehicle 100 may actuate the gear motor 126 to enable the bin holder 114 to perform the holding mechanism for holding the garbage bin upon detection of the fourth activation signal.
[0070] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0071] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A house garbage collection vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a garbage collection compartment (102) arranged at a rear side of the vehicle (100);
a robotic arm (108) attached to the garbage collection compartment (102), and movable to lift a garbage bin from a ground location to a loading position to dispose of garbage in the garbage collection compartment (102);
an input interface (116) adapted to enable an operator to provide input commands to operate the robotic arm (108), remotely;
a control unit (118) operably connected to the input interface (116), characterized in that the control unit (118) is configured to:
receive the input commands from the input interface (116);
generate one of a first activation signal, a second activation signal, a third activation signal, or a fourth activation signal based on the received input commands;
enable a first actuator (120) to move the robotic arm (108) in an upward and a downward direction upon generation of the first activation signal;
enable a second actuator (122) to move the robotic arm (108) in a forward and backward direction upon generation of the second activation signal;
enable a third actuator (124) to tilt the robotic arm (108) at a user-specified angle upon generation of the third activation signal; and
actuate a gear motor (126) to enable a bin holder (114) to perform a holding mechanism for holding the garbage bin upon generation of the fourth activation signal.
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robotic arm (108) is attached to an arm holder (110).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robotic arm (108) is attached to an auxiliary arm (112) that enables the robotic arm (108) to extend in the forward direction.
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the garbage collection compartment (102) is covered with a flap (128).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising wheels (106a-106n) to enable movement of the vehicle (100).
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an operator compartment (104) to accommodate the operator.
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (118) is adapted to generate and transmit a fifth activation signal to the gear motor (126) to enable the bin holder (114) to perform a release mechanism for releasing the garbage bin.
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (118) is adapted to generate a sixth activation signal to actuate the robotic arm (108) for returning to an initial position.
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, the control unit (118) is adapted to activate a buzzer (130) to indicate completion of a garbage collection process.
10. A method for collecting garbage using a house garbage collection vehicle (100), characterized by the method comprising steps of:
receiving input commands from an input interface (116);
generating one of a first activation signal, a second activation signal, a third activation signal, or a fourth activation signal based on the received input commands;
enabling a first actuator (120) to move a robotic arm (108) in an upward and a downward direction upon generation of the first activation signal;
enabling a second actuator (122) to move the robotic arm (108) in a forward and backward direction upon generation of the second activation signal;
enabling a third actuator (124) to tilt the robotic arm (108) at a user-specified angle upon generation of the third activation signal; and
actuating a gear motor (126) for enabling a bin holder (114) to perform a holding mechanism for holding the garbage bin upon generation of the fourth activation signal.

Date: December 12, 2023
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)