Vacuum Refuse Container with Motion Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refuse containers often fail to ensure that refuse is fully disposed of, as it may not be compacted efficiently, leading to incomplete disposal and potential odors or pests.
Innovation Solution
A refuse container equipped with a vacuum unit and motion sensor, where the vacuum unit is activated when refuse is detected, using suction to draw waste into the container through a lid opening, ensuring complete disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refuse containers are used without vacuum assistance, then the device complexity is low, but the completeness of refuse disposal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a vacuum generator to create negative pressure that draws refuse through the lid opening and into the container. The vacuum system includes a vacuum generator, filter assembly, and conduit system that work together to suction refuse completely into the container, ensuring no residue remains outside.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a motion sensor that automatically detects when refuse is placed in the opening and triggers the vacuum generator to activate. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation, as the system automatically initiates the vacuuming process when motion is detected, ensuring complete disposal without user intervention.
2Reliability
If a vacuum unit is added to ensure complete refuse disposal, then the reliability of refuse disposal improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor automatically detects when refuse is placed in the opening and triggers the vacuum generator to activate. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation, as the system automatically initiates the vacuuming process when motion is detected, ensuring complete disposal without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor provides feedback about the presence of refuse in the opening, which triggers the control system to activate the vacuum generator. This feedback loop ensures the vacuum system operates only when needed, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable complete disposal.
3Reliability
If the vacuum unit is activated continuously to ensure complete disposal, then the completeness of refuse disposal improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum generator operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the motion sensor detects refuse placement. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation, while still ensuring complete disposal of all refuse that is placed in the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor provides feedback about the presence of refuse in the opening, which triggers the control system to activate the vacuum generator. This feedback loop ensures the vacuum system operates only when needed, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable complete disposal.
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 ensures that refuse is fully and efficiently disposed of, minimizing odors and pest attraction by ensuring all waste is compacted within the container.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum unit urges air inwardly through the refuse opening when the vacuum unit is turned on. Thus, refuse placed in the refuse opening is drawn downwardly into the refuse container.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuuming refuse container assembly includes a refuse container for receiving refuse for disposal. A lid is removably positioned on the refuse container and the lid has a refuse opening extending therethrough to receive the refuse. A control circuit is coupled to the refuse container and a vacuum unit is positioned within the refuse container. The vacuum unit is electrically coupled to the control circuit and the vacuum unit is in fluid communication with the refuse opening in the lid. The vacuum unit urges air inwardly through the refuse opening when the vacuum unit is turned on. Thus, refuse placed in the refuse opening is drawn downwardly into the refuse container. A motion sensor is coupled to the refuse container. The vacuum unit is turned on when the motion sensor senses motion of the refuse being placed in the refuse opening.