Induction Actuated Container With Full-Body Contact Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trash containers require users to actuate the cover panel from a specific area, lack user-friendly options for those accustomed to habitual foot operation, and consume excessive power during standby mode.

Innovation Solution

An induction actuated container that allows users to open the cover panel by touching, pressing, or kicking anywhere on the exterior surface, utilizing a low-power vibration switch sensor and infrared sensor for remote actuation, and a control circuit that reduces power consumption during standby.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a reflective infrared induction circuit is used to detect target movement, then the container can be actuated remotely, but the sensing distance is limited to only 28 cm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote actuation capabilityVSAvoidsensing distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different sensing technologies - reflective infrared induction circuit and vibration switch sensor - into a single container system. The infrared sensor provides remote detection capability while the vibration sensor detects contact anywhere on the container body, merging the advantages of both approaches to overcome the limited sensing distance of infrared alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed with multi-functional actuation capabilities: it can detect both remote approach movements via infrared sensor and contact vibrations anywhere on the body via vibration sensors. This universal detection system allows the container to respond to various user interactions from different distances and locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a single point actuation method is used (foot pedal or specific sensor area), then the control mechanism is simple, but users cannot actuate the cover from various locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation flexibilityVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container body is segmented into multiple zones, each equipped with vibration switch sensors. Instead of having one complex sensor, the system divides the detection function across multiple simpler vibration sensors distributed throughout the container body, allowing actuation from any location while keeping individual sensor components simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical foot pedal system with a vibration-based sensing system. The vibration switch sensors detect mechanical vibrations from any contact point (foot, hand, or other objects) and convert them into electrical signals, eliminating the need for a dedicated mechanical pedal structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If the control circuit remains active continuously to detect actuation movements, then the response time is fast, but the power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It alternates between active detection phases (where sensors are monitoring) and low-power standby phases (where sensors are deactivated). This periodic operation maintains the ability to detect actuation movements while significantly reducing average power consumption during standby states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration switch sensors are designed to be passive until activated. They only consume power when actually detecting a vibration event, rather than requiring continuous active monitoring. The system serves itself by remaining in low-power mode and only activating when needed, improving battery utilization rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 user-friendly operation from various contact points and reduces power consumption, extending battery life by allowing both contact and remote actuation methods and optimizing power usage.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration switch sensor unit configured to detect the actuation movement applied to the induction actuated container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

an infrared sensor provided on top of the induction actuated container to detect a target movement of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20250333243A1Induction Actuated Container

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 NINE STARS GROUP USA INC

AI summary

An induction actuated container includes a container body, an induction actuated container cover arranged on the container body, a cover panel, and a full-body induction arrangement received in a receiving chamber of an induction actuated container cover of the induction actuated container, which is configured to actuate an actuation unit to drive the cover panel between the close state to cover an inner cavity of the container body and the open state to open the inner cavity of the container body in response to an actuation movement applied to anywhere on an exterior surface of the induction actuated container.