Waste Receptacle Lid With Overhead Liquid Distribution System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste receptacle lids with internal dispensers for treatment liquids suffer from space inefficiency, uneven liquid distribution, and unnecessary activation, leading to increased consumption and waste of treatment liquids.
Innovation Solution
A lid with a distribution system that includes a tank and dispenser integrated into the lid structure, allowing for manual activation and uniform liquid distribution from a central position, reducing unnecessary usage and optimizing space within the receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If dispensers are located on the inside of the compartment of the receptacle, then automatic activation is achieved, but space for waste collection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is extracted from the internal compartment space and relocated to the lid structure. The lid serves as the mounting location for the dispenser, allowing automatic activation functionality to be maintained while freeing up internal compartment volume for waste collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser location is shifted from the horizontal plane (side wall) to the vertical dimension (lid above compartment). This spatial repositioning allows the dispenser to occupy lid space rather than competing for valuable internal compartment volume.
2Extent of automation
If dispensers are applied to a side wall, then automatic activation is achieved, but liquid distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is repositioned from a side wall location to the lid, enabling liquid to be dispensed from a central overhead position. This vertical repositioning allows the conical spray to distribute liquid more uniformly across the compartment floor and waste surface, eliminating dead zones and over-sprayed areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is positioned to dispense liquid from above in a controlled manner, ensuring uniform distribution before the liquid can pool or concentrate in specific areas. The overhead position allows gravity to assist in achieving even coverage across the compartment.
3Reliability
If dispensers are automatically activated upon opening the lid, then sanitation is improved, but treatment liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect whether the compartment is actually open and whether waste is present before activating the dispenser. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary dispensing when the lid is opened for non-waste purposes (checking filling level, replacing bags), thereby reducing treatment liquid consumption while maintaining sanitation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation system transitions from a static automatic trigger (any lid opening) to a dynamic conditional trigger (lid opening with waste detection). The system adapts its behavior based on real-time conditions, dispensing liquid only when waste is detected and sanitation is actually required.
4Reliability
If dispensers are located on the inside of the compartment, then treatment can be applied directly to waste, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is extracted from the complex internal compartment environment and relocated to the lid, which provides a simpler, more accessible mounting structure. This reduces installation complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness through the overhead dispensing position.
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 efficient and uniform application of treatment liquids only when needed, maximizing space and minimizing liquid waste, while being compatible with existing receptacles.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid, which is generally atomized in the form of a conical spray
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A lid for a waste receptacle (2) having a compartment (6) which, in use, is configured to house waste; wherein the lid has a distribution system (18) for the distribution of a material, in particular a liquid, suited for the treatment of waste, in particular organic waste; wherein the distribution system (18) is configured to distribute the treatment material inside said compartment (6) from above.