Angled Refuse Cart with Foot Pedal Lid Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection systems in hospitals are inefficient in separating and disposing of different types of medical waste, leading to potential contamination and misuse of containers.
Innovation Solution
A refuse receptacle system with a frame supporting containers at an angle of 10 to 20 degrees, equipped with linkages for reciprocal movement of lids operated by foot pedals, allowing for separate disposal of various waste types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate waste containers are scattered across the hospital, then waste items can be disposed of in separate containers, but it presents a challenge for medical practitioners to locate a particular container and may cause inadvertent or intentional deposit of waste items in the wrong container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate waste containers into a single integrated cart assembly with multiple receptacles. This merging approach maintains the ability to separately dispose of different waste types while eliminating the dispersion problem, making the entire waste disposal system portable and locatable through a single unit rather than multiple scattered containers throughout the hospital.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart assembly is segmented into multiple distinct receptacles, each designated for specific waste types (e.g., sharps, general waste, recyclables). This segmentation allows for proper waste categorization and separation while keeping all receptacles within a single accessible location, preventing misplacement of waste items.
2Ease of operation
If a stackable refuse container system with multiple containers is used, then various waste types can be collected in one location, but the containers require manual lid operation which may be inconvenient and pose contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lid operation system with a foot pedal actuated linkage system. This substitution allows operators to open and close lids using foot movements rather than hand operations, maintaining mechanical functionality while improving ease of operation and reducing contamination risks associated with manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the foot pedal and the lid. When the foot pedal is depressed, it actuates the linkage which in turn opens or closes the lid. This intermediary system provides indirect control, allowing operators to manipulate lids without direct hand contact, thereby reducing contamination risks while maintaining operational convenience.
3Area of stationary object
If containers are positioned vertically stacked, then space is efficiently utilized, but access to lids and foot pedals may be difficult and ergonomically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal or angled configuration of receptacles within the cart. This dimensional change allows foot pedals and lids to be positioned at ergonomically accessible heights and locations, improving operator comfort and ease of use while still achieving efficient space utilization within the cart structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse receptacle system comprising a frame and a plurality of refuse containers supported by the frame is provided. Each of the refuse containers have a receptacle and a complimentary lid reciprocally movable with respect to the receptacle. The receptacle of each of the containers is supported by the frame and is disposed at an angle in a range from about 10 to about 20 degrees from a vertical axis. A plurality of linkages are associated with the frame, whereby each linkage is coupled to the complimentary lid of one of the containers and is configured for reciprocation of the complementary lid between an open position and a closed position with respect to the receptacle.