Induction Trash Can Sensing Distance Adjustment With Digital IR Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trash containers with active infrared sensors have a non-adjustable sensing distance, leading to improper operation in different environments and varying user needs, and are susceptible to signal interference due to analog voltage signal comparison.
Innovation Solution
A trash container with an adjustable detection distance arrangement using a microcomputer control chip that converts analog to digital signals, allowing users to customize the sensing distance and reduce circuit interference through a single integrated IC circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensing distance is fixed at a predetermined value, then the circuit structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user needs and environments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable sensing distance by making the detection threshold dynamic rather than fixed. The microcomputer control chip allows users to modify the sensing distance parameter through software configuration, enabling the system to adapt to different environments and user requirements without changing the physical circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection threshold parameter digitally through the microcomputer control chip. By adjusting the digital threshold value in the control software, the sensing distance can be modified without altering the analog circuit components, thus achieving parameter adaptability while maintaining circuit simplicity.
2Reliability
If analog voltage signal comparison is used, then the circuit implementation is straightforward, but the operation stability is poor due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog voltage comparison mechanism with a digital signal processing approach. The microcomputer control chip performs digital threshold comparison on the detected signal, eliminating the susceptibility to analog signal interference and improving operational stability through more robust digital processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcomputer control chip acts as an intermediary between the signal detection and the control output. It receives the detected signal, processes it through digital threshold comparison, and generates control outputs, thereby isolating the control system from direct analog signal interference and enhancing stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for signal processing, then the design flexibility is high, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal processing functions (detection, amplification, threshold comparison, and control) into a single microcomputer control chip. This integration reduces the number of discrete components, simplifies the circuit configuration, lowers manufacturing costs, and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining design flexibility through software programming.
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
Enables personalized customization of sensing distance, enhances operational stability, simplifies circuit configuration, reduces manufacturing costs, and lowers the overall cost of the trash container by minimizing welding connections and failure rates.
Implementation Method 1
upwardly emitting an infrared signal by an infrared emitting tube through a sensing window
Implementation Method 2
receiving the reflected infrared signal as a weak signal by an infrared receiving tube located underneath the sensing window
Data Source
AI summary
A trash can includes an induction actuated cover being actuated to move between an closed position and an opened position in response to an object, an actuation module being activated at one of an operation mode and a setting mode, and an adjustable detection distance arrangement. At the operation mode, the induction actuated cover is moved from the closes position to the opened position when the object is detected above an induction window within a detection range at a preset detection distance. The adjustable detection distance arrangement is arranged to store a desired detection distance at the setting mode. The desired detection distance is selectively adjusted from the induction window and is defined as a distance of the object placed above the induction window. The desired detection distance is stored to replace the preset detection distance for actuating the induction actuated cover at the operation mode.