Bin Waste Compactor Lever and Plunger for Hygienic Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Householders face challenges in compacting trash due to limited container capacity and the inconvenience of frequent emptying, often resorting to unhygienic methods like stomping on trash to create space.
Innovation Solution
A waste compactor with a vertically extending rod, rotatable and pivotable handle, and a plunger mechanism that compresses waste inside a bin, optionally integrated with a can crusher assembly to facilitate efficient waste compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If trash is compacted manually by stomping, then some space is created, but hygiene is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical plunger as an intermediary tool between the user and the trash. The plunger is connected to a lever arm that the user operates, allowing compacting force to be applied without direct contact with the trash. This mediator (plunger) transfers the compaction force while maintaining hygiene by preventing direct hand-trash contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The compactor is designed to be operated by the user themselves through a simple lever mechanism. The user pulls the handle to raise the plunger, then pushes the handle down to release the plunger onto the trash, enabling self-service compaction without needing assistance or compromising hygiene.
2Loss of time
If container capacity is increased, then less frequent emptying is needed, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for the container to be completely full before compacting, the system allows for partial compaction actions. Users can compact the trash periodically as needed, applying excessive action (compacting) before the container is full to create additional headspace, thereby reducing the frequency of emptying without requiring an oversized container.
3Ease of operation
If a simple lever mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but compaction force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the lever mechanism by incorporating a pivot point above the container. The plunger moves vertically downward onto the trash while the handle rotates in an arc, combining rotational motion with vertical force application. This dimensional change allows the user to apply body weight and leverage more effectively, generating greater compaction force while maintaining ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The waste compactor effectively compresses waste and crushes cans, addressing the issue of limited container space and hygiene concerns by providing a user-friendly, efficient compaction solution.
Implementation Method 1
a handle rotatably coupled to the rod and configured to rotate about to a central axis of the rod. The handle is also pivotally coupled to the rod and configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a raised position and a lowered position
Implementation Method 2
a crusher attached to the handle and configured to move in the vertical direction in response to the pivoting of the handle between the raised position and the lowered position to contact and crush the can
Data Source
AI summary
A waste compactor includes a rod extending in a vertical direction and supported on a ground surface, and a handle rotatably coupled to the rod and configured to rotate about to a central axis of the rod. The handle is also pivotally coupled to the rod and configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a raised position and a lowered position. The pivot axis extends perpendicularly to the central axis. The waste compactor further includes a plunger coupled to the handle and is arranged to move in the vertical direction in response to the pivoting of the handle between the raised position and the lowered position to compress the waste disposed inside the bin.