We all have them in our kitchens, but are garbage disposals as smart or as safe as they could be? What if it were easier to protect our silverware as well as our fingers?
We’ve found that for technology to truly be smart, it should first be sensitive. We have a lot of familiarity with these technologies and we’re finding new applications every day. In the case of the common kitchen garbage disposal, smarter means safer too. We’ve been thinking hard about how to leverage sensing technology in this common kitchen appliance and have come up with what we think are some great ideas.
Spoon-saving inductive sensing
We’ve all done it. We’ve all flipped on the garbage disposal only to hear the very unhappy sound of a spoon, fork or other kitchenware getting mercilessly flogged in those unforgiving teeth. Usually the disposal is none worse for wear, but the spoon has battle scars. None of us want to throw out a $4 spoon, so why not use inductive sensing to detect non-food items? That way we can keep the disposal from coming on in the first place when there’s something in there that doesn’t belong. Both visual and auditory cues could let you know that hey, there’s a spoon in there.
A safer, two-handed touch switch
Using light switches for disposals pose a handful of issues. Firstly, they’re almost never labeled. Is that the disposal or the sink light? Secondly, do you really want to flip a 110v switch with wet hands? How safe is that? Also, if you’re adding a disposal system to your existing sink, you’re going to need an electrician to install that switch. What if there’s no power in that wall? Our approach is much simpler — a pair of touch sensors under the counter lip. Not only are your hands out of danger, there’s no confusing it for the sink light. What’s more, these low-voltage switches are plug-and-play, so no electrician required.