Garbage Container Lid Mechanism for Energy-Efficient Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional garbage containers with automatic lids face issues such as difficulty in operation for users with insufficient strength and limited placement of pedals, and energy inefficiency due to constant sensor activation, leading to smaller openings and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A garbage container design featuring a resistance-type sensor, a pedal, a connecting member, a driving mechanism with a motor and decelerating mechanism, and a power-efficient setup that allows the lid to open with minimal user effort and only when needed, enabling a larger opening and reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pedal with linking rods is used to trigger the lid to lift, then the lid can be opened by stepping on the pedal, but the pedal must be disposed at a fixed and specific position which limits its adaptability to different situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid opening operationVSAvoidpedal position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical linking rod system with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects when the pedal is stepped on and sends a signal to the controller, which then activates the motor to lift the lid. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical positioning of linking rods while maintaining the ease of operation through pedal activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the sensor and operation structure are disposed near the opening to facilitate lid lifting, then the lid can be triggered to lift easily, but the opening is not quite large enough to receive disposals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid triggeringVSAvoidopening size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the sensor detection function from the lid lifting function. The sensor is positioned to detect pedal activation, while the motor-driven mechanism handles the lid lifting. This segmentation allows the opening to be sized appropriately for receiving disposals while the sensor can be positioned optimally for detecting user interaction, eliminating the conflict between opening size and sensor placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the sensor detects anytime an object approaches, then the lid opens automatically, but the sensor consumes electricity anytime too

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic lid openingVSAvoidsensor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the sensor detect pedal activation rather than continuously detecting objects. The sensor is triggered only when the pedal is stepped on, which activates the motor to lift the lid. This periodic detection approach significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous detection, while still providing automatic lid opening functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If the pedal is stepped on completely to lift the lid, then the lid opens reliably, but a user who doesn't have sufficient strength such as a female or a disable is difficult to step on entirely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid opening reliabilityVSAvoidpedal activation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pedal-linking rod system with a sensor-motor system. The sensor detects when the pedal is stepped on (even partially), and the motor provides the force needed to lift the lid. This substitution eliminates the need for users to apply sufficient force to mechanical linkages, making the system accessible to users with limited strength while maintaining reliable lid opening functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides easier operation, energy savings, and a larger opening for disposal, accommodating various user strengths and situations while minimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

A resistance of the sensor changes when pressure the sensor received changes, and then the sensor sends a signal to the controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

The driving mechanism includes a motor, a decelerating mechanism, and an arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8947022B2Garbage container

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 SHEK MICHAEL

AI summary

A garbage container of the present invention includes a main body, a sensor, a pedal, a connecting member, a driving mechanism, and a lid. A receiving opening is formed on a top of the main body. The pedal contacts with the sensor. The lid connects with the connecting member. When the pedal is pressed or released, a resistance of the sensor changes, and then the sensor sends a signal to a controller. After receiving signals, the controller drives the connecting member to elevate or to descend via the driving mechanism. When the pedal is pressed, the connecting member is elevated, and the lid is lifted to enable the receiving opening to communicate with an external space. When the connecting member is descended, the lid covers the receiving opening to unenable the receiving opening to communicate with the external space.