Touchless Bin

1 Trash Segregator with Attached Infrared Long Range Proximity Sensor and Bin Capacity Indicator

CHAPTER I

Introduction

This chapter contains the background of the study, statement of the problem,

hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitations, and definition of terms.

Background of the Study

Trash cans have developed for years already. Common trash cans are those

opened and closed using your bare hands. Nowadays, step-on trash cans are used by

households, schools and workplaces. The disadvantage of using these types of trash

cans is that using your hands or feet can increase the risk of cross-contamination.

These also cause junks to mix, making segregating a difficult job to do.

Touchless faucets are used in restrooms in grocery stores, malls and hotels. The

faucet turns on or off depending on the presence of infrared energy near the sensor

attached in the spout of the faucet. This concept is applied in the study. Usually, people

open or close trash cans by touching the lids. Developments on trash cans have

occurred as time passed by. Step-on trash cans which are operated by feet, as said a

while ago, is one of these developments. There is still direct contact between the user

and the trash which may cause various diseases. The aid for preventing this is the

utilization of infrared proximity sensor.

In schools, most of the wastes produced by students and teachers are papers,

plastic bottles and tin cans. The problem about disposing these is that they are mixed in

one bin. The liquid residues from different beverages also mix in the bin which makes

the bin sticky and unpleasant in terms of appearance and odor. This also causes the

recyclable materials to destroy easily. So instead of recycling these wastes immediately,

segregation has to take place first which makes the process of recycling lengthy. The

innovation involves the segregating feature of the trash bin which serves as a solution to

this problem. It has a division where you can dispose the liquid residues before throwing

the waste itself. Garbage slides down the inside of the bin which is divided into three

compartments and goes to the base where the segregator is placed.


Overflowing of trash bin is also a problem when it comes to the disposal of trash.

This leads to the addition of bin capacity indicator in this innovation.

The trash segregator with attached infrared long range proximity sensor and bin

capacity indicator serves as a solution to the three problems regarding health,

convenience and environment people encounter in disposing trash.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to devise a trash bin that performs multiple functions.

Researchers intend to make segregating easier by dividing the bin into three

compartments for biodegradable wastes, non-biodegradable trash and liquid residues.

Another objective is to equip the trash bin with infrared long range proximity sensor

which automatically opens the lid whenever an object is detected. The third objective is

to design the bin with light emitting diodes that turn on when the bin is already full. The

study also aims to determine the range of the distance in inches covered by the sensor

for it to be able to work accurately and fast and the range of weight of the garbage

needed for the light emitting diodes to turn on.

Hypotheses

The following hypotheses are formulated: The compartments make segregating

easy; liquid residues are not mixed to the wastes. The infrared long range proximity

sensor can detect an object at a certain range of distance. The lid opens and closes

smoothly. The light emitting diodes turn on or off depending on the weight of the trash

inside the compartment.

Significance of the Study

With the use of the infrared long range proximity sensor attached on the lid of the

bin, the host does not need to have direct contact with the trash can. The bin is divided

into three compartments. The two compartments are for biodegradable and non-

biodegradable wastes. The last compartment is for liquid residues. The upper part of the

bin, smaller the size of the lower part, is also divided into three so the wastes pass

through it and is deposited at the base of the trash can where the plastic bags for


storage of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes and the basin for the liquid

residues are located. This makes throwing easy and convenient for people. The

innovation is practical because it saves time and effort exerted by the user to segregate.

In addition to this development, the trash bin is also equipped with a bin capacity

indicator which helps people know whether the compartments reached their maximum

capacity. This prevents bins from overflowing.

The trash segregator with attached infrared long range proximity sensor and bin

capacity indicator is a step towards an eco-friendly, convenient and healthy lifestyle.

Scope and Limitation

The study covers the application of infrared long range proximity sensor and light

emitting diodes (LEDs) as bin capacity indicator in the innovation of trash cans in order

to solve three major problems. These problems are related to health, environment and

convenience. The study also includes upgrading of modern day trash bins into bins with

compartments designed to make segregating easy. The study is limited to the use of

infrared long range proximity sensor only. The springs and LEDs are also used as bin

capacity indicators in the upgraded trash bin.

The research involves the identification of the effectiveness of infrared proximity

sensors in relation to the distance of the object from the trash bin. Other factors such as

setting the temperature are not included in the study.

Definition of Terms

Trash Segregator is a customized rectangular trash bin divided into three equal

parts for an easier and more convenient way of disposing and segregating trash. The

first compartment is for biodegradable wastes. The second is for non-biodegradable

trash and the last is for liquid residues.

Infrared Proximity Sensor is an electronic sensor which works by applying a

voltage to a pair of infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs). The infrared light emitted by

the pair propagates through the air and once the beam hits an object, the light is


reflected back to the sensor. The sensing unit detects the reflected infrared light and the

circuit becomes active. The activation of the sensing unit causes it to send

corresponding signal to the output terminal which can be used to activate any devices.

In this study, the servo motor operates the lid for it to open when an object is detected

and for it to close when nobody is near the unit.

Bin Capacity Indicator is a device composed of compression springs that are

connected to light emitting diodes (LEDs). The springs, LEDs and batteries are

integrated. The LEDs are located on top of the lower part of the bin. Four springs are

attached to the four corners of each divider. A battery clip, facing the base of the bin, is

glued at the aluminum divider. The bottom of the battery is glued at the base of the bin.

As the springs are compressed by the junks, the battery clip will touch the battery which

will generate energy for the light emitting diodes to light, indicating that the bin has

reached its maximum capacity.


CHAPTER II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter contains the related literatures and related studies about “Trash

Segregator with Attached Infrared Long Range Proximity Sensor and Bin Capacity

Indicator.”

Related Literatures

Gizduino

On 2010, Kris introduced Gizduino in e-gizmo.com. Gizduino is a clone of the

popular Arduino Diecimilia, it is an open source computing platform based on a simple

input/output (I/O) board and the use of standard programming language. Gizduino is

programmed using the IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Gizduino uses an

ATmega168 microcontroller.

Gizduino can be powered by the USB connection or an external power supply.

The external power supply can be an AC-DC adapter connected to the power jack or a

battery with the positive end connected to VIN power pin and negative pin to GND pin.

It is used in programming the servo motor. The temperature and distance needed

for the lid of the bin to be opened and maximum angle that the lid would make would be

indicated to the servo motor by the use of this.

Infrared Proximity Sensor

Garrett Hamilton–Smith, Raihan Khondker, and Will Norris posted in

g9toengineering.com about infrared proximity sensor. An infrared proximity sensor

works by applying a voltage to a pair of infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) which in

turn, emit infrared light. This light propagates through the air and once it hits an object it

is reflected back towards the sensor. If the object is close, the reflected light will be

stronger than if the object is further away.


The sensing unit, in the form of an integrated circuit (IC), detects the reflected

infrared light, and if its intensity is strong enough, the circuit becomes active. When the

sensing unit becomes active, it sends a corresponding signal to the output terminal

which can then be used to activate any number of devices.

The infrared long range proximity sensor will be detecting the infrared light from a

certain distance that will trigger the servo motor to work.

Servo Motor Control

A post entitled “Servo Control” was posted by Simit Pradhan in psimit.geek.in last

2008. Servo control is a closed loop control system for electric motors. The motor used

in servo control are usually DC motors (although AC servo is also possible). A typical

servo motor uses a sensor to sense motor position and uses it as a feedback to reduce

the speed of the motor as the motor reaches the commanded position.

The servo motor will be programmed using the Gizduino that would open the lid

when the sensor detects infrared light.

9 volts PP3 Battery

A 9 volts PP3 battery is a rectangular prism shape with rounded edges and a

polarized snap connector at the top.

In ehow.com, Eric Tilden posted about lithium batteries visited last Sept. 10,

2012. Lithium 9-volt battery is a disposable (primary) type of battery that has a lithium

metal or lithium compounds as anode and manganese oxide as cathode. It has a high

energy density designed to last up to 5 times longer than alkaline 9-volt batteries and up

to 10 times longer than carbon-zinc 9-volt batteries.

Lithium batteries can be used in place of ordinary alkaline cells in many devices,

such as clocks and cameras. Although they are more costly, lithium cells will provide

much longer life, therefore minimizing battery replacement.


This will be used as energy source of the infrared proximity sensor, servo motor

and LED. This battery will be attached to the base of the bin and the battery clip will be

attached to the movable board inside the bin.

Aluminum

Jinyuda Trading Company posted about aluminum in en.jinyuda.com last June

13, 2012. Aluminum is silver-colored, relatively soft, durable, lightweight, ductile and

malleable metal. It has low density (2.7 g/cc) metal that finds use in a huge variety of

commercial applications. Aluminum is commonly used in both wrought and cast forms.

It is easily machined, cast, drawn and extruded. It is remarkable for its ability to resist

corrosion due to the phenomenon of passivation. It has excellent joining characteristics

and good acceptance of applied coatings. It is also widely available.

This is the material used in molding the bin. The batteries, sensor, motor, and

LED were attached here. The purpose of using aluminum is it is durable and cheaper

compared to other materials.

Free Electron Model

Arnold Sommerfeld developed the Free Electron Model; a model showing the

behavior of valence electrons in a crystal structure of a metallic solid. It explains many

experimental phenomena such as electrical conductivities. The bin capacity indicators

work perfectly because the light emitting diodes are connected via electrical wires to the

aluminum sheets, good conductors of electricity, which are integrated to the battery clip

of the 9 volts PP3 transistor battery.

Related Studies

With regards to the utilization of sensors, numerous projects, mini projects and

studies were conducted. Last April 20, 2012, Mike Szczys posted in hackaday.com a

project entitled “Simple Proximity Sensor.” The project was built by Dustin Andrews who

wanted a standalone sensor for his Arduino projects. When an object approaches the

sensor, this let him alert the Arduino. In 2010, P. Marian posted in

electroschematics.com a project entitled “Invisible Infrared Alarm Circuit.” The circuit


used infrared light to detect the movement of people through the door. When the

infrared beam breaks, a short beep is generated. It is ideal for monitoring entrance and

exit doors of shops, stalls, and banks where many people are moving. Another project

was posted in electroschematics.com by T.K. Hareendran in the same year, 2010. It

was entitled “Power Switch with Infrared Proximity Sensor.” It was intended for the

recognition of obstructions at distances of a few millimetres to a few centimetres. It can

be used to open a water tap using a solenoid valve. Jeff Koenig made a project and

posted it in dprg.org last August, 1998 with the title “IR Proximity Detector Project.” He

used it to improve the detection of infrared light emitting diodes and infrared photo

detectors.

Projects and studies dealing with the use of servo motor were also conducted. In

July, 2011, a servo motor controller mini project was posted in examsadda.com. It was

a simple basic design of servo pulse generator. Last July 11, 2010, a computer

stimulation study on the optimization of linear servo motor used in computer numerical

control (CNC) machines was posted in ieeexplore.ieee.org. As stated in the study, the

double side air-cored permanent magnet linear servo motor (DAPMLSM) is suitable for

high-speed and high-precision servo feed systems. In December, 2002, a servo motor-

controlled bicycle ergometer was designed for studies in Human Biomechanics. The

paper presented the computer-controlled bicycle ergometer called the “TiltCycle.”

Besides the use of servo motor, the TiltCycle also used sensors to measure the

kinematics and force production of the pedalling work performed.


CHAPTER III

Research Methodology

This chapter contains the materials, procedures, and the scientific explanations

behind this study.

Materials

This is the list of the materials including the quantities, functions, prices, and

illustrations used in the innovation.

Materials Quantity Function Illustration

Infrared Proximity

Sensor 1

Works by detecting

incoming infrared energy

Servo Motor 1 Operates the lid of the bin

Gizduino 1 Used in programming the

servo motor

9-volt PP3

transistor battery 3

Supplies energy to the

sensor, motor and light

emitting diode

Aluminum Sheets

100

inches by

110

inches

The material used in the

whole bin


Connecting Wire 12 m

Connects the sensor,

battery and motor; the

compression springs,

battery and LEDs

Battery Clip 3 Socket for the battery

Light Emitting

Diode 2

Lights when the bin has

reached its maximum

capacity

Compression

Springs 8

Source of mechanical

energy that is converted to

electrical energy which is

used to light the LEDs

Sealant 250 mL Binds one material to

another

Sticker Paper

52 inches

by 19

inches

Covers the entire trash bin

for an attractive and user-

friendly look


Figure 1. Design of the Trash Segregator

Procedure

The materials for the trash segregator such as the aluminum sheet that is 110

inches long and 100 inches wide and the sealant were prepared. The aluminum sheet

was cut to form the back support of the bin that is 22 inches wide and 19 inches high.

The sides of the bin were made by cutting two pieces of aluminum sheet with the

following dimensions: 6 inches wide and 19 inches high. The sides were laid down on

the floor. A 3-inch wide and 5-inches long rectangle was traced and cut from the side.

This was done to the other side too. For the base of the trash bin, a 22-inch wide and 6-

inch long aluminum sheet was cut. Using sealant, the back support, sides, and base

were glued. The passageway for the trashes was made narrower than the storage for

trash as seen in the illustration. This bin was also divided into three compartments

equally. Aluminum sheets were placed inside it to serve as dividers. A drawer was

made for the third compartment for the liquid residue. Springs were also attached at the

bottom part of the first two compartments; above the springs was where the aluminum

sheets were glued. The sheets were not glued to the sides of the bin, only to the

springs. A lid for the bin was made using hinges and aluminum sheets that would fit the

passageway. Hinges and aluminum sheets were also used in making the cover of the

compartment of trashes. The hinges were placed at the top of the compartment so that

it can be opened upward.


Two metal conductors were prepared. One metal conductor was placed at the

base of the bin; the other was placed below the aluminum sheet that is placed above

the springs. The negative wire of the battery clip was soldered to the metal conductor at

the base of the bin while the positive wire of the battery clip was connected to the

positive side of the light emitting diodes by long connecting wires. Connecting wires

were also soldered from the metal conductor below the aluminum sheet up to the

aluminum sheet divider of the bin. The connecting wire from the positive side of the LED

was soldered to the aluminum sheet divider also; the energy form the 9 volts battery in

the battery clip will travel to the divider because aluminum is a conductor, and it will be

received by this wire that was connected to the LED. Light was emitted by the LED

every time the springs compress and the metal conductor below the aluminum sheet

above the spring touch the metal conductor at the bottom of the bin. The lid was

operated by the motor every time the sensor detects an object. The energy of the motor

and infrared long range proximity sensor was supplied by the batteries. The gizDuino,

sensor, and motor were secured to the bin using foam tape.

The bin was now ready for testing. Before testing, the connectivity of the sensor,

circuit and motor were checked. The bin was tested by standing in front of it at varying

distances and checking if the sensor responds. To check the bin capacity indicator,

loads of wastes like plastic cups, plastic bottles, and aluminum tin cans were thrown in

the bin. Check each part if the sensor and bin capacity indicator did not work effectively

for there may be errors in programming the sensor, connectivity of the sensor, battery

and motor, or the connectivity of light emitting diodes and batteries.


CHAPTER IV

Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Results and Data

This chapter contains the result and analysis of tests conducted in the study.

Table 1. Response of Infrared Long Range Proximity Sensor to an Object with Respect to its Distance from the Bin

Based on the table above (Table 1), the infrared long range proximity sensor

responds when the object is 10 inches to 30 inches away from the sensor. When the

DISTANCE FROM THE BIN RESPONSE

5 inches Hardly Responds

10 inches Responds

15 inches Responds

20 inches Responds

25 inches Responds

30 inches Responds

35 inches Hardly Responds

40 inches Does not respond




object is 5 inches or 35 inches away from the trash bin, the sensor hardly responds.

When the object is 40 inches to 50 inches away from the trash bin, the sensor does not

respond.

From the given results, the infrared long range proximity sensor only detects

object 30 inches away from the trash bin. Objects beyond 30 inches from the sensor will

not be detected since the sensor only works when an object, within the sensor’s sensing

range, has interfere the beam of light emitted by the sensor itself.

Table 2. Response of the Light Emitting Diodes to the Weight of Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Wastes

Based on the table above, the light emitting diode does not turn on when the

biodegradable wastes weigh 100 grams to 400 grams. When the biodegradable wastes

reach 500 grams, the light emitting diode turns on. The light emitting diode does not turn

on when the non-biodegradable wastes weigh 100 grams to 200 grams. When the non-

biodegradable wastes reach 300 grams to 500 grams, the light emitting diode turns on.

From the given results, the light emitting diode only turns on when the

biodegradable wastes reach 500 grams. The light emitting diodes turn on when the non-

biodegradable wastes weigh 300 grams to 500 grams.

Weight

100 grams 200 grams 300 grams 400 grams 500grams

Biodegradable Does not

turn on

Does not

turn on

Does not

turn on

Does not

turn on Turns on

Non-Biodegradable Does not

turn on

Does not

turn on Turns on Turns on Turns on


CHAPTER V

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

This chapter contains the summary of tests done, conclusion and

recommendations.

Summary

After performing series of tests for the infrared long range proximity sensor and

the bin capacity indicator, the following results were obtained: The sensor attached to

the trash segregator could detect a person, who is 30 inches away from trash bin.

Beyond this distance, the sensor could not detect anymore and the lid will not be

triggered to open. The bin capacity indicator attached to the two compartments will turn

on if: biodegradable wastes weigh 500 grams and non-biodegradable wastes weigh 300

to 500 grams.

Conclusion

This innovation concluded the following: The trash segregator with attached

infrared long range proximity sensor and bin capacity indicator can make segregating

and disposing trash easy. The lid opens and closes smoothly without direct contact to

the person. The liquid residues were not mixed to the wastes. There is no need to check

the compartment from time to time because the light emitting diodes work as bin

capacity indicators, depending on the weight of the wastes inside each compartment.

The infrared long range proximity sensor can detect an object at a certain range of

distance.

Recommendations

Further improvements are required for the advancement of the trash segregator.

Improvements such as increasing the size of the bin will make it store more wastes and

making the passageway of the wastes broader will make throwing larger trash possible.

Additional appropriate container for the sensor, Gizduino, and motor is needed to

prevent short circuit when throwing liquid residues. Using thicker kind of aluminum


sheet especially for the cover of the compartments is also recommended so that it will

not bend and expand easily which if happens, affects the functionality of the bin

capacity indicator. Good quality springs that can easily compress are advised for a

better performance of the bin capacity indicator. The infrared long range proximity

sensor cannot only detect people, but also objects, so it is also recommended to use

other kinds of sensor like passive infrared sensor which detects only infrared radiation

coming from the human body.


APPENDIX A

The trash segregator

Making the bin capacity indicator


Programming the servo motor and infrared long range proximity sensor with Gizduino

Testing the sensing capacity of the infrared long range proximity sensor


Bibliography

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http://electroschematics. invisible com/6239/ -alarm/

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http://www.dprg.org/projects/1998-08a/

Kris. (2010). e – Gizmo Tech Blog, Sept. 07, 2012,

http://e-gizmo.com/wordpress/?p=369

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http://psimit.igeek.in/servocontrol.php

Smith, G. Building Tools for Mindstorms Lego System, Sept. 07, 2012,

http://www.g9toengineering.com/AllSaints/infraredproximity.htm

Szczys, M. (2012). Simple Proximity Sensor, Sept. 07,2012,

http://hackaday.com/2012/04/20/simple-proximity-sensor/

Tilden, E. Information on 9 Volt Lithium Batteries, Sept. 10,2012,

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5891042_information-volt-lithium-batteries.html

Yuqiu Z. (2010) Computer simulation study on optimization of linear servo motor used in

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http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?reload=true&arnumber=5564980

(2012). Jinyuda Trading, Sept. 10, 2012, http://en.jinyuda.com/news/85.html

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http://www.examsadda.com/2011/05/servo-motor-controller-mini-project.html

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Touchless Bin