Foot-Activated Waste Bin Sensor Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste bins require users to either wave their hands or continuously press a pedal to open the lid, which is inconvenient, especially when hands are full or when determining the optimal location for hand waving is difficult, and restricts user movement.
Innovation Solution
A foot-activated infrared sensor-operated waste bin that includes a base unit with a foot well and a sensor to detect objects, a lid that opens mechanically in response to foot detection, and a motor that keeps the lid open for a predetermined time, allowing hands-free operation and preventing false signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-waving detection is used to open the lid, then the lid can be opened without physical contact, but it requires users to determine the optimal location to wave their hands and waste time when hands are full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hand-waving detection with foot-well detection, substituting the mechanical action of hand waving with a foot-based detection mechanism. The foot well sensor detects when a user's foot is placed in the designated area, eliminating the need to wave hands and locate optimal positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between contactless operation and time efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a pedal is used to open the lid, then the lid can be opened with foot pressure, but the pedal must be continuously pressed to keep the lid open restricting user movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous-pressure pedal mechanism with an automatic sensor-based system. The foot well sensor detects foot presence and triggers an electric motor to open the lid, eliminating the need for continuous manual pressure. The motor maintains the lid in the open position automatically, resolving the contradiction between foot-activated opening and device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If foot well sensor is implemented for hands-free operation, then true hands-free operation is achieved, but false signals from objects other than feet may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dedicated foot well area with specific geometric and spatial characteristics. The foot well is designed as a defined recess or zone that accommodates only foot-shaped objects in specific positions. This localized design ensures that only legitimate foot placements trigger the sensor, while other objects are excluded by the spatial constraints of the foot well, thereby resolving the contradiction between hands-free operation and false signal detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables true hands-free operation by allowing users to dispose of waste without additional trips, with the sensor placement minimizing accidental openings and the motor control ensuring the lid remains open for extended periods as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (e.g., an IR sensor 150) which can be used to detect the user's foot
Data Source
AI summary
Self-opening bins are described. The bin includes a base unit defining a foot well and a sensor configured to detect whether an object is within the foot well. The bin also has a receptacle and a lid configured to close the receptacle. A lid motor configured to mechanically open the lid is also included in the bin. The lid motor is configured to open the lid in response to detection of an object within the foot well. Methods for operating the self-opening bins are also described.