Induction actuated container

What is this patent about?

’921 is related to the field of automated storage receptacles, specifically focusing on motion-activated lids for trash cans or personal accessory containers. Traditional automated containers typically utilize lids that flip upward, which creates a significant vertical clearance requirement and can be obstructed by low-hanging cabinets or shelves. The background context emphasizes the need for a hands-free opening mechanism that functions efficiently in height-restricted environments while reducing the energy consumption associated with lifting a heavy lid against gravity.

The underlying idea behind ’921 is to replace the traditional vertical flip-top lid with a sideward swinging mechanism that operates within the horizontal plane of the container’s top surface. By pivoting the door panels laterally rather than lifting them vertically, the invention eliminates the need for overhead clearance and utilizes a more energy-efficient motion that does not have to overcome the gravitational weight of the lid. This approach allows the container to be placed under counters or inside tight compartments where a standard automatic lid would strike the upper surface.

The claims of ’921 focus on a container assembly comprising a body and a specialized cover seat that houses an induction actuation arrangement. The independent claims specifically protect the combination of an induction sensor that detects an approaching object and an actuation unit that drives a door panel to swing pivotally and sidewardly. This lateral movement is the defining structural limitation, explicitly recited to minimize the accessible-height restriction of the container while maintaining a hands-free interface through the sensor-driven motor.

In practice, the system utilizes a pair of semi-circular swinging doors that slide concurrently away from each other to reveal the container's interior. The cover seat includes a retention rim that acts as a physical limit for the doors, ensuring they stop precisely at the fully closed or fully opened positions. To improve the user experience, the mechanism incorporates vibration absorption elements that dampen the impact and noise when the doors reach their travel limits, addressing the common problem of clattering sounds in motorized lids.

This invention differentiates itself from prior art by decoupling the opening action from vertical space requirements and optimizing the sensor logic. Unlike systems that close after a rigid timer, the ’921 implementation can be configured to keep the doors open as long as the induction unit detects a presence within the detection area. Furthermore, the use of a pivot pin with a radially extending portion allows the motor to translate rotational force into a smooth lateral sweep, providing a more reliable and compact drive system than traditional vertical hinges.