Touchless Waste Receptacle With Waterless Mist Fragrancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional waste receptacles require manual operation and often necessitate the use of air fresheners, which can leave residues and create slipping hazards due to their liquid nature, damaging floors and finishes.
Innovation Solution
A touchless waste receptacle system with a front-opening door and lid that automatically opens and closes using a motion sensor, incorporating a waterless fragrancing system that emits an ultrafine mist from an atomizing pump module, powered by rechargeable batteries, to provide a fragrance without residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If air fresheners are sprayed to combat odors, then unpleasant scents are eliminated, but residue is left on surfaces causing slipping hazards and surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the fragrancing system from liquid spray to waterless mist generation. The atomizing pump module creates an ultrafine mist that evaporates completely, eliminating residue while maintaining effective fragrance distribution. This parameter change in the state of matter resolves the contradiction between odor elimination and surface contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spray system with an electronic atomizing pump module that uses ultrasonic vibration to generate mist. This substitution eliminates the need for liquid propellants and spraying mechanisms that leave residue, while effectively distributing fragrance through the air.
2Device complexity
If manual operation of receptacle lid is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle system performs self-service by automatically detecting when a user approaches through the motion sensor and opening the lid without manual intervention. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for users to physically manipulate the lid, thereby improving ease of operation while the automated nature manages the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motion sensor as an intermediary between the user and the lid mechanism. The sensor detects user presence and triggers the motorized lid opening, serving as a mediator that translates user intent into automated action, improving ease of operation without requiring direct mechanical interaction.
3Ease of operation
If motion sensor and automated lid opening are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized lid mechanism serves multiple functions: it automatically opens when detected by the motion sensor, and also triggers the fragrancing system activation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing enhanced ease of operation alongside additional useful features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lid opening mechanism with the fragrancing system activation. When the motion sensor detects a user and opens the lid, it simultaneously triggers the atomizing pump module to dispense fragrance. This combining of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems.
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 system effectively eliminates the need for manual operation and residue-forming air fresheners, maintaining surface integrity and safety by automatically opening and closing the lid while providing a fragrance through a waterless mist, preventing slipping hazards and surface damage.
Implementation Method 1
A tube may connect the compressor to an atomizing pump module. The atomizing pump module may be operable to receive contents of a container that may be arranged underneath the atomizing pump module and may emit the contents through the nozzle in the form of an ultrafine mist.
Implementation Method 2
The top portion of the lid may be operable to automatically open when a motion sensor is activated. The motion sensor may be embedded in the rim.
Implementation Method 3
A tube may connect the compressor to an atomizing pump module.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle may provide a touchless opening and closing lid that may be activated by a motion sensor. A swing-door may form a front of the receptacle and may open and close to expose and provide access to a molded interior liner. A non-slip molded base may form a platform for the receptacle. A fragrancing system may be provided inside of the lid and may emit a waterless mist containing a fragrance when the lid opens.