Storage bins help keep our spaces organized and protect our belongings from dust and moisture. But most storage bin covers are generally opened and closed manually, but what if you could automate and control them remotely?
Luckily, this is one of the ways actuators can be used in home automation. With just the push of a button, actuators allow you to lift, close, push, or pull a storage bin cover, making household organization much easier. In today’s article, you’ll learn how to automate your bin cover using linear actuators. You’ll also discover the three main storage bin cover types. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Storage Bin Cover Types
Storage bin covers help protect the items inside your storage container. These covers come in several types. Let’s look at three of the most popular types of storage bin covers.
Plastic
Plastic covers are affordable, lightweight, and reliable. They work well indoors and outdoors and offer good protection against dust, pests, and moisture. You can use plastic bin covers for indoor storage, arranging your house, and light-duty outdoor use. Plastic bin covers are also easy to clean and store, so you can use them for a long time.
Fabric
Fabric covers are made of durable fabric and protect against light dampness and dust. These covers are used for covering storage bins containing items that don’t need heavy-duty protection. You can use these covers in your garage, workshop, garages, and most indoor locations. Bear in mind that the fabric bin is slightly harder to clean than the plastic bin. However, the fabric cover looks better aesthetically and fits better in indoor spaces.
Wood
Wood storage bin covers have a distinct visual appeal and go well with many different types of decor. You can use lids indoors in places such as the bedroom, living room,’ or home office. Wood bins are excellent for covering storage containers that are used to keep toys, personal items, and household items. You can also use this cover in workshops, sheds, and garages. However, you may need extra weatherproofing if you use them outdoors.
How To Automate Your Bin Cover Using Linear Actuators
What You Need
First, you’ll need to gather the items you need for this setup.
- Linear actuators: Start by setting aside the actuator. Remember, rotary actuators come in different sizes for different applications. Therefore, you should consider the height of your storage bin before selecting the ideal length of the linear actuator.
- Mounting brackets: Get the actuator’s mount brackets ready. Make sure the mounting brackets you have are the right type for your actuator.
- Power supply and actuator controls: Each actuator requires a power supply. You can use an AC power adapter or DC control box for this. An AC control box will let you connect your device to a house plug. On the other hand, a DC control box allows for more portability, so you can use it in places without outlets. Along with the control box, you’ll also need a remote or rocker switch. We will be using a remote-controlled actuator in this guide.
Instructions
Step 1: Attach the mounting brackets, which will first need to be screwed onto your application. Ensure both of your mounting brackets are firmly in place.
Step 2: Next, place the actuator inside the bin, align each end of the device on the bottom and top of the storage bin, and use screws to secure it inside the storage bin. Ensure the mount is secure before connecting and powering the actuator.
Step 3: Now, connect the actuator to the power supply to turn it on and control you. If you use a rocker switch, you’ll need to connect it to the actuator and power supply. Your actuator should now be up and running. If the linear actuator doesn’t work, check the connections, and ensure it is correctly set up.
Places to Use a Storage Bin in Your Home
- Kitchen
- Sitting room
- Bedroom
- Workshop warehouse
- Office workspace
Conclusion
Installing an actuator to open and close your storage bin covers is that simple! Use this device to control your storage bins and make storing your prized items easy and fun! Fortunately, our linear actuators require minimal maintenance if installed correctly. This means you get excellent value for money and can use this system to open your storage bin covers for a long time.