Variable Gear Trash Can Lid With Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power-operated trash can lids face issues such as motor and gear assembly wear due to high initial moment of force, increased power consumption, and reduced operating speed, along with damage from manual operation, which affects reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a variable gear assembly with teeth of varying radii and a clutch mechanism that allows for efficient powered operation and manual operation without damaging the gear assembly, featuring a drive shaft with non-complementary cross-sectional shapes and a biasing member for automatic re-engagement, enabling smooth and rapid lid movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is designed to be in a horizontal closed position, then the lid can effectively protect the receptacle contents, but the initial moment of force required to open the lid increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to operate at an inclined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) rather than a horizontal position, dynamically changing the moment arm and reducing the initial moment of force required to open the lid while maintaining effective protection when closed
2Reliability
If a larger motor is used to overcome the initial moment of force, then the lid can be opened reliably, but the motor consumes additional power and produces more heat and noise
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the lid's closed position to an inclined angle, the moment of force is reduced, allowing a smaller, more energy-efficient motor to be used while maintaining reliable lid opening operation
3Power
If the motor size is increased to handle the initial moment of force, then the motor can provide sufficient power, but the overall dimensions of the receptacle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined lid position reduces the moment of force, enabling the use of a smaller motor with reduced dimensions, thereby preserving more internal capacity within the receptacle
4Volume of moving object
If the gear tooth diameter is reduced to accommodate the motor size, then the receptacle dimensions can be minimized, but the operating speed of the lid decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reduced moment of force from the inclined lid position allows for smaller gear components while maintaining adequate operating speed, as the force requirements are lower
5Power
If the gear assembly is designed for powered operation only, then the motor can efficiently drive the lid, but manual operation causes stress and damage to the gears
Solution Approach 1:
A clutch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the motor and gear assembly, allowing the gears to be disengaged during manual operation and re-engaged for powered operation, preventing damage while maintaining both operation modes
6Productivity
If the gear assembly remains engaged during manual operation, then the motor can quickly re-engage for powered operation, but the gears suffer from stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism provides rapid engagement and disengagement capability, allowing the gear assembly to be protected during manual operation while enabling quick re-engagement for subsequent powered operation
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
This solution reduces wear on the motor and gear assembly, prolongs battery life, allows for rapid lid opening, and prevents damage during manual operation, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the trash can mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The gear assembly can include a variable gear rotatably engaged with a lifting gear. The variable gear can have a first tooth and a second tooth. The first tooth can have a first tooth radius and the second tooth can have a second tooth radius. The second tooth radius can be greater than the first tooth radius.
Implementation Method 2
A trash can design featuring a variable gear assembly with teeth of varying radii and a clutch mechanism that allows for efficient powered operation and safe manual operation
Data Source
AI summary
A trash can with a power operated lid can include a lifting mechanism with a motor, a lifting member, and a variable gear. In some embodiments, the motor is operably connected with the variable gear such that the motor can drive the variable gear and/or the lifting member. In certain implementations, the variable gear includes one or more teeth with varying tooth radii. In some variants, the variable gear and a clutch member are engageable and are configured to allow manual operation of the lid.