Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a waste bin and particularly to a smart bin for segregation of waste.
Description of Related Art
[002] In recent times, there has been a surge in concerns surrounding the proper disposal of garbage. We are witnessing an alarming increase in waste generation, often disposed of in ecologically detrimental ways, primarily through haphazard open dumping at landfill sites.
[003] Efficient classification of mixed waste is imperative to minimize disposal and reduce the strain on landfill space. However, conventional solid waste segregation is time-consuming. Therefore, there is a critical need for an alternative method utilizing IoT sensors for precise segregation of solid waste into categories like organic, metal, and dry waste.
[004] Streamlining this process is crucial to decrease manual handling and enhance operational feasibility. This innovation aims to significantly boost efficiency, reducing the time required for the segregation of solid waste while concurrently advancing environmental sustainability efforts.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced smart bin for the segregation of waste that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a smart bin for segregation of waste. The bin comprising: an infrared sensor arranged inside of the bin. The infrared sensor is adapted to sense a presence of the waste in the bin. The bin further comprising: a moisture sensor arranged inside of the bin. The moisture sensor is adapted to sense a presence of moisture and/or water content in the waste. The bin further comprising: a metal sensor arranged inside of the bin. The metal sensor is adapted to sense a presence of metallic content in the waste. The bin further comprising: a motor arranged to drive a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is configured to redirect the waste to corresponding sections in the bin. The bin further comprising: a microcontroller communicatively connected to the infrared sensor, the moisture sensor, the metal sensor, and the motor. The microcontroller is configured to: receive detection signals from the infrared sensor, the moisture sensor, and the metal sensor; determine constitutes of the waste based on the received detection signals; and actuate the motor to drive the conveyor belt to direct the waste in a section selected from a metallic waste section, a wet waste section, a dry waste section, or a combination thereof, based on the determined constitutes of the waste.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for segregating waste using a smart bin. The method comprising steps of: receiving detection signals from an infrared sensor, a moisture sensor, and a metal sensor; determining constitutes of the waste based on the received detection signals; and actuating a motor to drive a conveyor belt to direct the waste in a section selected from a metallic waste section, a wet waste section, a dry waste section, or a combination thereof, based on the determined constitutes of the waste.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart bin for segregation of waste.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart bin for segregation of waste that is easy to use.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart bin for segregation of waste that is efficient.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart bin for segregation of waste that is cost effective.
[0012] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0013] 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
[0014] 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:
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a smart bin for segregation of waste, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates the smart bin for segregation of waste, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1C illustrates the smart bin for segregation of waste, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1D illustrates a display unit of the smart bin for segregation of waste, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a microcontroller of the smart bin for segregation of waste, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for segregating waste using the smart bin, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] 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
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a smart bin 100 (hereinafter referred individually to as the bin 100) for segregation of waste, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the bin 100 may be adapted to receive waste. The bin 100 may further segregate the received waste into categories, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the categories for segregation of the waste by the bin 100 may be, but not limited to, a metallic waste, a dry waste, a wet waste, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any categories for segregation of the waste by the bin 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the metallic waste may be segregated and binned in a metallic waste section. In another embodiment of the present invention, the dry waste may be segregated and binned in a dry waste section. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wet waste may be segregated and binned in a wet waste section. According to embodiments of the present invention, the bin 100 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the bin 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the bin 100 may be installed in location such as, but not limited to, a workshop, a kitchen, an office, a garage, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location for installation of the bin 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, the bin 100 may comprise an infrared sensor 102, a moisture sensor 104, a metal sensor 106, a motor 108, a conveyor belt 110, a microcontroller 112, and a display unit 114.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the infrared sensor 102 may be arranged inside of the bin 100. The infrared sensor 102 may be adapted to sense a presence of the waste in the bin 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the infrared sensor 102 may be, but not limited to, an ultrasonic sensor, a distance sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the infrared sensor 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the moisture sensor 104 may be arranged inside of the bin 100. The moisture sensor 104 may be adapted to sense the presence of moisture and/or water content in the waste, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the moisture sensor 104 may be, but not limited to, an R111 sensor, an R43w sensor, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the moisture sensor 104 may be a rain sensor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the moisture sensor 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the metal sensor 106 may be arranged inside of the bin 100. The metal sensor 106 may be adapted to sense a presence of metallic content in the waste, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal sensor 106 may be, but not limited to, a magnetic sensor, a caesium sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the metal sensor 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the motor 108 may be arranged to drive the conveyor belt 110. According to embodiments of the present invention, the motor 108 may be, but not limited to, a servo motor, a stepper motor, a brushless motor, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor 108 may be a Direct Current motor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the motor 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor belt 110 may be driven by the motor 108. The conveyor belt 110 may be adapted to redirect the waste in corresponding sections in the bin 100, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller 112 may be connected to the infrared sensor 102, the moisture sensor 104, the metal sensor 106, and the motor 108. The microcontroller 112 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the microcontroller 112 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 microcontroller 112 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller 112 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 114 may be connected to the microcontroller 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 114 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 1D.
[0035] FIG. 1B illustrates components of the bin 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the components of the bin 100 may be the infrared sensor 102, the moisture sensor 104, the metal sensor 106, the motor 108, the conveyor belt 110, the microcontroller 112, and the display unit 114.
[0036] FIG. 1C illustrates the sections of the bin 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the metallic waste may be segregated and binned in the metallic waste section. In another embodiment of the present invention, the dry waste may be segregated and binned in the dry waste section. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wet waste may be segregated and binned in the wet waste section.
[0037] FIG. 1D illustrates the display unit 114 of the bin 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 114 may be adapted to display a type of waste binned. The display unit 114 may be installed in a visual proximity of a user, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the display unit 114 maybe, but not limited to, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 114 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Further, the display unit 114 may feature a backlight that may be turned on and/or turned off based on a requirement. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the display unit 114 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the microcontroller 112 of the bin 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The microcontroller 112 may comprise the computer-executable instructions in form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 200, a determination module 202, and a motor actuation module 204.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to receive detection signals from the infrared sensor 102, the moisture sensor 104, and the metal sensor 106. The received detection signals may further be transmitted to the determination module 202, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the determination module 202 may be activated upon receipt of the detection signals from the data receiving module 200. The determination module 202 may be configured to determine constitutes of the waste based on the received detection signals, in an embodiment of the present invention. Upon determination of the constitutes of the waste, the determination module 202 may transmit an activation signal to the motor actuation module 204.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the motor actuation module 204 may be activated upon receipt of the activation signal from the determination module 202. The motor actuation module 204 may be configured to actuate the motor 108 to drive the conveyor belt 110 to direct the waste in the sections based on the determined constitutes of the waste, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for segregating waste using the bin 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] At step 302, the bin 100 may receive detection signals from the infrared sensor 102, the moisture sensor 104, and the metal sensor 106.
[0044] At step 304, the bin 100 may determine the constitutes of the waste based on the received detection signals.
[0045] At step 306, the bin 100 may actuate the motor 108 to drive the conveyor belt 110 to direct the waste in the corresponding section, based on the determined constitutes of the waste.
[0046] 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.
[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also 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 smart bin (100) for segregation of waste, the bin (100) comprising:
an infrared sensor (102) arranged inside of the bin (100), and adapted to sense a presence of the waste in the bin (100);
a moisture sensor (104) arranged inside of the bin (100), and adapted to sense a presence of moisture and/or water content in the waste;
a metal sensor (106) arranged inside of the bin (100), and adapted to sense a presence of metallic content in the waste;
a motor (108) arranged to drive a conveyor belt (110), wherein the conveyor belt (110) is configured to redirect the waste in corresponding sections in the bin (100); and
a microcontroller (112) communicatively connected to the infrared sensor (102), the moisture sensor (104), the metal sensor (106), and the motor (108), characterised in that the microcontroller (112) is configured to:
receive detection signals from the infrared sensor (102), the moisture sensor (104), and the metal sensor (106);
determine constitutes of the waste based on the received detection signals; and
actuate the motor (108) to drive the conveyor belt (110) to direct the waste in a section selected from a metallic waste section, a wet waste section, a dry waste section, or a combination thereof, based on the determined constitutes of the waste.
2. The bin (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a display unit (114) adapted to display a type of waste binned.
3. The bin (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the display unit (114) is a Liquid Crystal Display.
4. The bin (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the type of the waste is selected from a metallic waste, a dry waste, a wet waste, or a combination thereof.
5. The bin (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moisture sensor (104) is a rain sensor.
6. The bin (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor (108) is a Direct Current motor.
7. A method (300) for segregating waste using a smart bin (100), the method characterized in steps of:
receiving detection signals from an infrared sensor (102), a moisture sensor (104), and a metal sensor (106);
determining constitutes of the waste based on the received detection signals; and
actuating a motor (108) to drive a conveyor belt (110) to direct the waste in a section selected from a metallic waste section, a wet waste section, a dry waste section, or a combination thereof, based on the determined constitutes of the waste.
Date: October 12, 2023
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant