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Method for measuring weight of bulky waste (e.g. furniture) on a compactor truck
Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) provides a variety of waste collection services for the citizens and companies of Zurich; one of the services is an on-demand collection of bulky waste by compactor trucks. The trucks are equipped with a weighing system for standardized containers, which can be handled by the container tipping mechanism. Unfortunately, single pieces of furniture (e.g. sofas, tables, etc.) cannot be weighed. Thus, ERZ is forced to charge the customers by loading time instead of weight of the collected material.
In order to implement a more suitable calculation of costs, ERZ is interested in finding a method to weigh single pieces with the same scale used for the weighing of the containers.
The goal of this project is to develop a system that allows the workers of ERZ’s compressor trucks to weigh bulky waste pieces with the help of the container weighing provision of the trucks.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible to:
- Analyze the current weighing technology
- Develop and prototype a design/methodology for an additional system to weigh single pieces
- Test and evaluate the developed design with at site with the workers of ERZ
- Make recommendations for ERZ
This research looks for a Masters-level mechanical engineering student, for this thesis project, with skills in design, hands-on production, as well as an appreciation for ergonomics and worker safety.
The goal of this project is to develop a system that allows the workers of ERZ’s compressor trucks to weigh bulky waste pieces with the help of the container weighing provision of the trucks.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible to:
- Analyze the current weighing technology
- Develop and prototype a design/methodology for an additional system to weigh single pieces
- Test and evaluate the developed design with at site with the workers of ERZ
- Make recommendations for ERZ
This research looks for a Masters-level mechanical engineering student, for this thesis project, with skills in design, hands-on production, as well as an appreciation for ergonomics and worker safety.
Advisor: Andreas Lindau (ERZ)
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Tilley
**Contact information:**
Name: Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Tilley
Email: tilleye@ethz.ch