Compartmentalized Trash Can with Integrated Storage and Dual Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trash cans often clutter work environments with additional necessary items, such as backup supplies, which are not readily available when needed, leading to space constraints and inefficiencies in locations like bathrooms and offices.
Innovation Solution
A compartmentalized trash can design with a horizontal compartment at the lower end and a dual-access system, featuring a hinged oval cover and a sliding flat top cover, allowing for storage and easy retrieval of essential items like toilet paper or printer paper without opening the main trash can.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional storage boxes are placed near the trash can to store backup supplies, then accessibility to essential items is improved, but the workspace becomes cluttered and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trash can with an additional storage compartment into a single integrated unit. The lower compartment is built directly into the trash can structure, merging waste disposal and storage functions into one device, thereby eliminating the need for separate storage boxes in the workspace
Solution Approach 2:
The trash can is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a waste container and a storage unit for backup supplies. This multi-functionality allows essential items to be stored conveniently without requiring additional dedicated storage furniture
2Area of stationary object
If a separate storage compartment is added to the trash can, then workspace clutter is reduced, but access to stored items becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The trash can is segmented into two independent access points: the upper opening for trash disposal and the lower compartment opening for storage access. This segmentation allows users to access stored items without disturbing the main trash can or requiring full disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
A removable tray or basket is used as an intermediary element within the lower compartment. This tray can be easily pulled out to access stored items, providing convenient access while maintaining the compact integrated structure of the trash can
3Ease of operation
If the trash can is designed with multiple access points, then accessibility to different compartments is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trash can structure is divided into distinct upper and lower compartments with separate access points. This segmentation allows independent access to each compartment while maintaining a relatively simple overall cylindrical structure, avoiding the need for complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a single large opening that requires moving the entire trash can lid, the design provides a smaller dedicated opening in the lower compartment wall. This inverted approach of providing targeted access points rather than general access simplifies the lid structure while improving compartment-specific accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive concept consists of a compartmentalized trash can including a basic trash can of any configuration. The basic trash can has installed therein, at a lower area, a horizontal plate which is being fastened to the inside walls of the basic trash can thus forming a lower compartment. The lower compartment has an opening at one of the walls of the basic trash can. A half oval cover skirt is formed that has a flat cover plate at the top end to cover the top of the basic trash can. The half oval cover skirt has a depending a half oval cover skirt which is depending from the top cover plate and is connected to the top plate and can be moved by way of a hinge at the top cover plate and can be moved to an upper position exposing the top trash compartment and when it is lowered it will cover the opening in one of the walls of the basic trash can. The top cover plate has an arrangement to close or open an access to the interior of the upper compartment to deposit trash.