Segmented hamper with motion activated lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clothes hampers with lids pose a risk of germ, bacteria, and virus transmission due to frequent handling, especially in high-traffic areas like hospitals and hotels, as the lids act as common surfaces for contamination.
Innovation Solution
A segmented clothes hamper with motion-activated lids, featuring a frame with multiple containers, electrically operated closure mechanisms, a control panel with proximity detection, and user-replaceable batteries, allowing lids to open automatically upon approach and close after a delay, reducing the need for direct contact with the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional lids are used on clothes hampers, then the hamper is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lids become common surfaces for germ, bacteria, and virus transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical lid operation with an automated electromechanical system. A motorized actuator mounted on the hinge pivot electrically operates the closure mechanism to open and close lids automatically, eliminating the need for users to physically touch the lid surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proximity sensor as an intermediary between the user and the lid. The sensor detects the user's approach and triggers the automated lid opening mechanism, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct contact between the user and the lid surface.
2Reliability
If motion-activated mechanisms are added to eliminate lid contact, then hygiene is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hamper system serves itself by automatically detecting user presence through the proximity sensor and autonomously opening/closing lids without requiring manual intervention or complex control interfaces. The system self-regulates based on sensor input.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel integrates multiple functions into a single unit: proximity detection, motor control, battery management, and user interface operations. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite adding automated functionality.
3Ease of operation
If electrically operated closure mechanisms are mounted on each container, then lid operation is automated and contactless, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hamper is divided into multiple independent containers, each with its own lid and closure mechanism. This segmentation allows each unit to be manufactured and assembled independently, then combined into the complete system, facilitating modular manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the closure mechanism with the hinge assembly into an integrated unit. The motorized actuator is mounted on the hinge pivot, merging the opening/closing function with the hinge structure to reduce the number of separate components.
4Ease of operation
If proximity detectors and control panels are added, then touchless operation is achieved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor operates in a periodic detection cycle, monitoring for user presence and triggering lid operation only when needed. The system transitions between active detection and idle states, consuming energy only during operation rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor provides feedback about user presence to the control system, which then activates the closure mechanism only when detection confirms a user is approaching. This feedback loop ensures energy is consumed only when lid operation is actually required.
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 a touchless, durable, and convenient hamper system that minimizes the transfer of germs, bacteria, and viruses, enhancing hygiene in high-traffic environments by eliminating the need for direct lid interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity detector, the user-replaceable battery, the microcontroller, the open switch, and the close switch may be disposed on the control panel
Implementation Method 2
each of the containers having one of the electrically operated closure mechanisms, a plurality of casters supporting the frame to allow for mobility in a location
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented hamper with motion activated lids is a plurality of laundry hampers having a plurality of motion sensor which lift an individual hamper lid when activated. The plurality of hampers is disposed upon a base having four caster wheels. The hamper is provided with a control panel and battery operated power source.