Induction Actuated Container Cover with Hydraulic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers with automatic opening mechanisms face issues such as inconvenient operation, especially for users with heavy loads, and the durability of electrical components is compromised due to environmental factors and gravitational forces.
Innovation Solution
An induction actuated container with a sensor-activated automatic driving arrangement that generates a decelerating and torque-enhancing force to pivotally move the cover panel in a hydraulic manner, ensuring optimal actuation and protection from environmental factors, while being designed to withstand gravitational forces and maintain component durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the cover panel is electrically-powered, then automatic opening and closing is achieved, but the electrical components are exposed to environmental factors and gravitational forces that reduce their durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into two distinct segments: a protected housing containing all electrical components (sensor, motor, control circuitry) and a separate cover panel. This segmentation isolates the electrical components from environmental exposure and gravitational forces, while the cover panel remains exposed but mechanically decoupled from the electrical system's vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical transmission mechanism (gears, shafts, linkages) as an intermediary between the electrical motor and the cover panel. This intermediary system transmits power while providing mechanical advantage and isolation, allowing the electrical components to operate in a protected environment while still actuating the exposed cover panel.
2Extent of automation
If a sensor is used to detect user movement, then automatic actuation is enabled, but the sensor position and sensitivity cause unnecessary or failed actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor detects user approach and triggers motor actuation, which then provides tactile feedback (resistance, movement) to the user. This feedback loop allows the system to confirm proper detection and actuation, enabling adjustment of sensor sensitivity and position based on actual system response rather than theoretical detection parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the sensor and configures its sensitivity parameters in advance based on expected user behavior patterns. The system is pre-calibrated to detect typical approach speeds and distances, allowing it to anticipate user intent and actuate at the optimal moment before the user would naturally reach for the container, avoiding both premature and delayed activation.
3Ease of operation
If the cover panel is driven to lower down, then closing is achieved, but gravitational force causes excessive force that may damage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring mechanism that acts as a counterweight to the cover panel's gravitational force. The spring is pre-loaded to provide upward force that balances the weight of the cover panel during closing, significantly reducing the net force that the electrical motor and components must withstand. This counterbalancing allows the motor to operate within safe force limits while still achieving complete closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic or pneumatic damper system in the hinge or linkage mechanism to control the cover panel's motion during closing. This fluid-based damping system provides progressive resistance that smooths out the closing motion, preventing sudden force spikes and distributing the gravitational load over time, thereby protecting electrical components from excessive peak forces.
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 allows for convenient and controlled automatic opening and closing of the container, enhancing user experience and extending the lifespan of the container's components by effectively managing gravitational forces and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (231) mounted on a front portion of the control housing (21) for detecting a target movement of a user
Implementation Method 2
generating an actuation output (2322) from the actuation unit (232) to the cover panel (22), wherein the actuation output contains a decelerating and torque enhancing force to pivotally move the cover panel (22) in a hydraulic manner
Implementation Method 3
at least a resilient element (24) mounting between a rear edge of the cover panel (22) and the main housing body (214) for normally applying an urging force towards the cover panel (22)
Data Source
AI summary
An induction actuated container cover includes a control housing having a cover opening, a cover panel pivotally mounted to the control housing to pivotally move between a closed position that the cover panel covers at the cover opening and an opened position that the cover panel exposes the cover opening, and an automatic driving arrangement including a sensor mounted at the control housing for detecting a target movement of a user and an actuation unit supported in the control housing to operatively link with the sensor, wherein the actuation unit is actuated to generate a decelerating and torque enhancing force to move the cover panel between the opened and closed position in a hydraulic manner.