Trashcan Lid with UV Sterilizer and Auto-Opening Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trashcans with built-in plastic bags suffer from odor leakage due to gaps between the lid and the can, and require manual operation for opening and closing, leading to unhygienic environments and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A trashcan with an automatically opening and closing lid, equipped with a UV sterilizer generating ultraviolet rays and ozone for deodorization, and a proximity sensor-controlled motor system for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lid is provided on the trashcan to prevent offensive odor, then odor prevention is improved, but odor still leaks through gaps between the lid and trashcan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs a UV sterilizer that generates ozone to convert the harmful odor problem into a beneficial sterilization and deodorization function. The ozone not only masks odors but actively eliminates bacteria and odor sources, transforming the passive lid-sealing approach into an active odor-neutralization system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition of the air inside the trashcan by introducing ozone through the UV sterilizer. This parameter change (adding ozone) fundamentally alters the odor dynamics, converting a physical sealing problem into a chemical solution where ozone oxidizes and eliminates odor-causing compounds.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is required to open and close the lid, then device complexity is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual lid operation with an automated system using a proximity sensor and motor-driven mechanism. The sensor detects user approach and triggers automatic lid opening, eliminating the need for manual pedaling or hand operation while maintaining simple mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The trashcan performs self-service by automatically detecting when a user needs access and opening the lid without human intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its environment (via proximity sensor) and autonomously executing the lid opening/closing action, freeing users from manual operation.
3Ease of operation
If automatic opening and closing mechanism is added, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automatic lid operation system into distinct functional modules: a proximity sensor for detection, a control unit for decision-making, and a motor-driven mechanism for execution. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and specialized, reducing overall system complexity while achieving automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven mechanism serves multiple functions: it opens the lid when approaching users are detected, closes the lid automatically after a set time, and can be controlled manually when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation mode, simplifying the overall device complexity.
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 effectively prevents odor emission and enhances user convenience by automatically managing the lid's opening and closing, while maintaining environmental hygiene through regular UV sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor that is installed on the case surrounding the lid to detect a user access
Implementation Method 2
a motor; a driver that drives the motor; a vertical bar that is provided between one side of the motor and a hinge side of the lid, and that is rotated according to rotation of the motor
Implementation Method 3
a resilient member that is provided at the other side of the motor and constrains the rotation of the motor, to thus facilitate position restoration
Implementation Method 4
a sterilizer provided on the lid, and generating ultraviolet rays and ozone toward an inner space of the trashcan for sterilization and deodorization
Implementation Method 5
generating ultraviolet rays and ozone toward an inner space of the trashcan for sterilization and deodorization
Data Source
AI summary
A trashcan automatically opens and closes a trashcan lid and prevents offensive odor due to UV (ultraviolet) disinfection. The trashcan includes a case whose upper face is openable; a lid coupled to the case to be opened and closed and to seal the trashcan, and a sterilizer on the lid generating ultraviolet rays and ozone toward the trashcan for sterilization and deodorization. An opening and closing unit automatically opens and closes the lid by sensing user access. A microcomputer controls operation of the UV sterilization lamp at regular intervals when the lid is closed and the opening and closing unit. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent offensive odor from being caused by sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the trashcan, and it is convenient for users to discard waste or dirt into the trashcan by automatically opening the trashcan lid for a certain time according to the user access.