Induction Cover Assembly with Enclosed Pivots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional induction activated cover assemblies for containers, such as trash cans, have exposed pivots and torsion springs that are prone to contamination and are not suitable for cleaning, and the battery arrangement narrows the opening, causing user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The cover assembly features pivots enclosed within a receiving room defined by a covering plate, an induction unit for automatic operation, and a driving unit with a deceleration gear set and motor, allowing the cover to pivot between open and closed positions without exposing uneven surfaces, and arranging batteries to save space and maintain a wider opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cover assembly uses exposed pivots and torsion springs for cover movement, then the mechanical structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the uneven surfaces become a hotbed of microbes and a blind spot of pollution that cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot is nested inside the receiving room formed by the connecting body and covering plate. The pivot extends through the pivot bore of the connecting body and is received within the enclosed receiving room, with the pivot head abutting against the inner surface of the covering plate. This nesting configuration hides the pivot within the assembly, eliminating exposed uneven surfaces that would otherwise accumulate pollution and microbes.
2Power
If several rows of batteries are arranged to power the DC motor, then sufficient power is provided for motor operation, but the opening of the cover assembly is narrowed which leads to user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The batteries are arranged in a single row extending in the front-rear direction rather than multiple rows that would extend laterally. This dimensional reconfiguration of the battery arrangement allows sufficient power capacity to be achieved while maintaining a wider opening at the front of the container, thus resolving the conflict between power requirements and user convenience.
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
This design provides a cleanable, even surface and reduces the risk of microbial growth, while allowing for a more convenient user experience with a wider opening and reduced motor power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an induction unit and a driving unit. The induction unit selectively activates the driving unit to drive the cover to pivotably move between an open position and a close position
Implementation Method 2
a driving unit with a deceleration gear set and motor
Data Source
AI summary
An induction activated cover assembly includes a main body, a cover, a covering plate and two pivots. The main body has an opening vertically penetrating the main body. A lateral connecting groove is formed on a top surface of the main body. Two through holes are formed on two ends of the connecting groove respectively. The cover is pivotably disposed on the main body. A lateral connecting body is formed on a rear end of the cover, and the connecting body has a connecting body opening facing downward. Two pivot bores are formed on two ends of the connecting body. The covering plate encloses the connecting body opening. A receiving room is defined between the connecting body and the covering plate for the pivots to be received therein. Each pivot inserts through one of the pivot bores and its corresponding through hole to pivot the cover on the main body.