Asymmetric Lid Elements for Waste Container Partition Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lid devices for waste collection containers with partitionable compartments require frequent replacement of cover elements when the partition position changes, leading to inefficiencies in closing the compartments effectively.

Innovation Solution

A lid device with specially designed cover elements that maintain functionality and optimal closure of compartments regardless of partition position changes, eliminating the need for element replacement by using cover elements with unique shapes and articulation mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional split lid systems are used with movable partitions, then compartments can be divided into different sizes, but lid elements must be replaced when partition position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartition position flexibilityVSAvoidlid element replacement requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lid elements are designed with a universal geometry that allows them to function effectively regardless of the partition wall position. Each lid element has a shaped surface that can adapt to cover different compartment configurations, eliminating the need to replace lid elements when partition positions change. This multi-functional design enables the same lid elements to serve multiple purposes across varying partition arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid elements incorporate a shaped surface design that dynamically adapts to different partition positions. The geometry of the lid element surfaces is specifically configured to maintain effective closure across various compartment configurations, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to partition movements without requiring physical replacement of lid components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If same-sized lid elements are used with movable partitions, then lid replacement is avoided, but the free edges of lid elements do not align with partition positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid element reusabilityVSAvoidclosure effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid elements feature an asymmetric shaped surface design where the free edges are configured to align with partition positions regardless of where the partition is located. This asymmetric geometry ensures that when lid elements are closed, their free edges properly align with the partition wall, maintaining effective closure even though the lid elements themselves remain the same size and shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The shaped surface of each lid element is designed with specific local geometric features that enable alignment with partition positions. The free edges of the lid elements have a particular configuration that allows them to effectively seal against partitions at various locations, ensuring local closure effectiveness while maintaining overall lid element uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If lid elements are replaced when partition position changes, then optimal closure is maintained, but device complexity and maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure effectivenessVSAvoidlid element management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid elements are designed as universal components that maintain closure effectiveness across all partition positions without requiring replacement. This design simplifies device management by eliminating the complexity of tracking, storing, and replacing multiple lid element sizes, while still ensuring reliable closure through the specially configured shaped surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3486197B1Lid device for a refuse receptacle
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 ESE WORLD BV
  • EP3486197B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3486197B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3486197B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

Lid device (10) for a waste collection container, wherein the lid device (10) is designed in two parts or in more parts and has two or more lid elements (11, 12), wherein each lid element (11; 12) has a lid element surface (13; 14) which is bounded by two or more lid element edges, wherein one lid element edge is designed as a first lid element edge (15; 16) which, in the closed operating state of the lid device (10), faces a first lid element edge (16; 15) of another lid element, wherein at least one lid element edge is designed as a second lid element edge (21; 27) which is opposite the first lid element edge (15; 16), and wherein each lid element (11, 12) has at least one fastening device (22, 23; 28, 29) which is provided to fasten the lid element (11; 12) to the waste collection container.The first lid element edge (15; 16) and the second lid element edge (21; 27) have different distances to each other at least in some areas along the extension (26; 32) of the second lid element edge (21; 27).