Bidirectional Hinge Cover for Container Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covers for large containers, such as dumpsters or roll-off containers, fail to provide a secure and environmentally sealing solution, as tarpaulin covers are cumbersome and ineffective, while heavy-duty steel covers are expensive and require specialized equipment, and neither type provides a reliable environmental seal, especially in hazardous waste cleanup sites.

Innovation Solution

A sealable bidirectional hinging cover system that includes a frame, cover, and bidirectional hinge assemblies, allowing the cover to slide and rotate open over the container's sides, with a sealing mechanism that can move between open and sealed positions to selectively seal or unseal the container opening, and incorporates a lifting support bracket and cover locks for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tarpaulin cover is used, then the cost is low and it is easy to handle, but it is cumbersome and ineffective at securely protecting the container and providing an environmental seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidsecurity and sealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system combines a rigid frame structure with flexible sealing elements (gaskets or flanges) to achieve both structural integrity for security and flexibility for environmental sealing, resolving the contradiction between ease of handling and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is divided into modular components including the frame, sealing elements, and hinging mechanisms, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure protection and effective sealing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a heavy duty steel cover is used, then excellent security is provided, but it is expensive and relatively heavy, requiring specialized equipment to open and close

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of opening and closing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover incorporates bidirectional hinging mechanisms that allow dynamic movement between multiple positions (open, closed, and intermediate angles), enabling easy operation without specialized equipment while maintaining the security benefits of a rigid steel construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bidirectional hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the operation of the heavy steel cover by providing built-in mechanical advantage and guidance, eliminating the need for external specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a heavy duty steel cover is used, then excellent security is provided, but it is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system is segmented into a modular frame structure with standardized connections, allowing for more efficient manufacturing and assembly processes that reduce overall cost while maintaining the security performance of a steel construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover uses thinner, more efficient steel members arranged in a optimized frame geometry, reducing material usage and cost while maintaining structural integrity and security through the design rather than simply using thicker, more expensive material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If a tarpaulin cover is used, then it is inexpensive and easy to handle, but it cannot provide an environmental seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidenvironmental exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines a rigid frame structure with flexible sealing elements (gaskets or flanges) to achieve both structural integrity for security and flexibility for environmental sealing, resolving the contradiction between ease of handling and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing elements (gaskets or flanges) act as intermediary components between the frame and the container opening, creating an effective environmental seal while maintaining the ease of operation provided by the simplified frame structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11753238B2Receptacle cover

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 TB IND

AI summary

A cover assembly for a container including a frame having a rail, a cover coupled to the frame, a first opening mechanism including a first pivot and a first slide housing, and a second opening mechanism including a second pivot and a second slide housing, the rail of the frame being selectively and slidingly receivable in the first and second slide housings. The cover and frame are movable between three positions, a closed position, a first open position wherein the rail is partially disposed in the first slide housing and is disengaged from the second slide housing, and the frame, cover and first slide housing are rotated about the first pivot, and a second open position wherein the rail is partially disposed in the second slide housing and is disengaged from the first slide housing, and the frame, cover and second slide housing are rotated about the second pivot.