Garbage Container Cover Cam Stroke Switch Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garbage containers with automatic covers lack a stroke switch mechanism, leading to inefficient opening and closing times due to timing device reliance, and battery-powered systems experience voltage drops affecting operation, while stroke switches can be corroded by garbage container gases, causing performance issues.
Innovation Solution
An automatically openable garbage container using infrared induction in conjunction with a cam and stroke switch mechanism to control the driving motor, ensuring proper coordination and preventing motor blockage, with the automatic cover-opening device housed in a casing to protect the switch from corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If timing device is used to control opening and closing time, then automatic operation is achieved, but driving motor is blocked and unable to move after action is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stroke switches to detect the position of the cover and provides feedback signals to the control unit. When the cover reaches the fully open or fully closed position, the stroke switch activates and signals the control unit to stop the driving motor, preventing motor blockage while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely timing-based mechanical control system with an electromechanical system that uses electrical signals from stroke switches to control motor operation. This substitution allows for more precise and reliable control of the motor based on actual cover position rather than predetermined timing.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If stroke switch is installed beside the cover and connected with the space of the garbage container, then cover position detection is achieved, but switch is corroded by gas in the garbage container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stroke switches from the corrosive environment inside or beside the garbage container and relocates them to a protected position where they are not exposed to harmful gases. The switches remain functional for detecting cover position but are isolated from the corrosive atmosphere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical linkage or transmission mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the cover and the stroke switches. This intermediary transmits the cover's motion to the switches without requiring the switches to be directly exposed to the corrosive environment.
3Duration of action of moving object
If time interval is set longer than actuation time, then cover opening/closing is completed, but driving motor is still electrified and blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The stroke switches provide real-time feedback on cover position, allowing the control unit to stop motor electrification immediately when the cover reaches its destination, rather than continuing based on a predetermined time interval. This eliminates unnecessary energy consumption and motor blockage.
4Ease of operation
If infrared induction device is used, then non-contact detection is achieved, then motor blockage is avoided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared induction device is integrated with the existing control unit and stroke switch system, allowing it to perform multiple functions: non-contact detection of approach objects, coordination with the cam mechanism for precise timing, and integration with the motor control system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing enhanced automation and reliability.
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
The solution ensures reliable and efficient opening and closing of the garbage container cover, avoiding motor blockage and switch corrosion, providing a simple, cost-effective, and reliable operation through infrared induction and electromechanical integration.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared transmitting tube and a infrared receiving tube, wherein the infrared transmitting tube transmits infrared pulse signals in front of the opening for littering forming a induction area
Implementation Method 2
the infrared receiving tube receives the infrared pulse signals reflected by a barrier in the induction area and converts the infrared pulse signals to corresponding electric signals
Data Source
AI summary
The garbage container, having a simple structure, a reliable performance, and being easy to install and cost effective, includes a container body, an infrared induction device, a movable cover automatically opened through infrared induction device, an infrared induction device, an automatic cover-opening device connected with the control unit, an output shaft of the driving motor connected with a cable-collecting wheel via a first set of reduction gears. One end of the cable is fixed to the cable-collecting wheel while the other end of the cable is connected with the cover. An output shaft of the cable-collecting wheel is connected with a cam via a second set of reduction gears. The protruding part of the cam is rotated to contact a cover-opening stroke switch and a cover-closing stroke switch respectively. The cover-opening stroke switch and the cover-closing stroke switch are connected respectively with the control unit through a data line.