Bin Coupler With Rotating Hooks for Multi-Bin Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential trash bins are often large, heavy, and difficult to move, especially in areas with steep or winding walkways, requiring frequent and labor-intensive transportation to and from the curb for collection.
Innovation Solution
A connector or grappling device that allows multiple trash bins to be linked together and easily moved by coupling to a vehicle, using a shaft with angled anvil face and rotatable hooks for secure attachment and quick release, along with tie-downs for additional bins or materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If trash bins are moved manually one at a time, then the movement is simple and requires no special equipment, but the time and labor required increases significantly when moving multiple heavy bins
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the task of moving multiple bins by providing a modular connector system that can attach to individual bins separately and then link them together in a train configuration, allowing sequential attachment and simultaneous transport
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple separate bin-moving operations into a single transport operation by connecting multiple bins together through the connector apparatus, enabling them to be moved as one unified group rather than individually
2Productivity
If a connector device is used to link multiple bins, then the transportation efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable hooks that can pivot to engage with bin handles, and a collapsible collar that compresses during attachment to secure the connection, allowing the device to adapt its configuration during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a nested structure where the collar contains the hooks, and the entire assembly attaches to the bin handle through nested components that fit within each other, creating a compact yet functional connector system
3Reliability
If retainer hooks are rotatably mounted to engage bin handles, then the attachment is secure and adaptable, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an angled anvil face with a predetermined angle that changes the direction of force application during engagement, allowing the rotatable hooks to achieve secure attachment through geometric configuration rather than relying solely on precise mounting tolerances
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
Enables efficient and simultaneous transportation of multiple trash bins or items, reducing the effort required for weekly trash collection and return, while allowing for versatile use with various vehicles and applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one retainer element (e.g., hooks) that are rotatably mounted about the first end of the shaft and which are configured to cooperate with the first end and angled anvil face to receive and capture an item
Implementation Method 2
A D-ring is rotatably mounted in a collar at the first end of the shaft near and/or adjacent to at least one of the retainers or hooks
Implementation Method 3
the collar is received with the D-ring in a friction fit relationship to resist movement relative to at least one of the retainer elements or hooks and/or the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus is a grappling and coupler device that enables dynamic capture and transportation of wheeled devices, such as for example without limitation, multiple trash bins or material movers and the like, to be linked together so that all can be transported or moved together. The coupler or connector apparatus is a removable connector that is joined to a vehicle at one end and at the other includes retainer elements such as at least one hook that is/are configured to dynamically receive, capture, and/or engage an item, such as a handle of a bin or material mover. Additional material movers such as refuse/recycle bins can be linked into a train configuration to enable transport of multiple material movers.