Automatic Garbage Can Keeps Cooking Cleaner
In recent years, there has been a surge of appliances equipped with wireless or “smart” technology, often with questionable utility. Many of these innovations, like tablets in refrigerators or Wi-Fi-enabled coffee makers, don’t address any real need. However, a less flashy but more practical kitchen appliance that could benefit from such technology is the garbage can. Mellow_Labs has demonstrated how to effectively implement automation and connectivity with an automatic garbage can lid.
The primary motivation for this invention was to avoid touching a dirty garbage can lid while cooking, thus eliminating the need to wash hands repeatedly. Additional design requirements included ensuring the device was easy to use and not permanently attached to the lid, avoiding complexity, and minimizing the use of wires and other fixtures. The solution involved attaching a servo with an extension to the lid to force it open when activated. A distance sensor enabled basic gesture recognition, while a microcontroller with wireless connectivity managed both the servo and sensor, integrating the system into a home automation setup. The device also featured a 3D-printed case with a quick disconnect function for easy lid cleaning.
The initial version of the automatic garbage can lid used an infrared distance sensor. However, this sensor caused the lid to open and close repeatedly when placed near an open window, as sunlight interfered with the sensor’s operation. To resolve this issue, the infrared sensor was replaced with an ultrasonic sensor, which was not affected by sunlight. This adjustment ensured that the garbage can lid operated smoothly and reliably in the kitchen environment.
Overall, Mellow_Labs’ automatic garbage can lid is an example of smart technology applied in a practical and useful manner. By addressing a common inconvenience in the kitchen and meeting specific design criteria, this invention demonstrates how automation and connectivity can enhance everyday appliances.
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