Waste Container Closure Locking for Variable Access Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste containers with multiple covers require separate lock units for each cover, leading to increased costs and maintenance, and lack the ability to adjust opening sizes based on user authorization.
Innovation Solution
A single locking device engages with multiple recesses on a cover element, allowing it to pivot to varying degrees based on user authorization, controlled by a motor and sensor system, enabling different sized openings and reducing the need for multiple locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate lock units are used for the first cover element and second cover element, then each cover can be independently locked, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate lock units into a single locking device that controls both the first cover element and second cover element. The locking device includes a locking element that can engage with different recesses in the cover elements, providing independent locking functionality for both covers while using a unified mechanical structure, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform multiple locking operations. The single locking device can lock both the first cover element (when the locking element engages the first recess) and the second cover element (when the locking element engages the second recess), making one component serve multiple functions that previously required two separate lock units.
2Reliability
If the first cover element is designed to completely close the opening, then security is improved, but access to the second cover element and its openings is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover system into two functional segments: the first cover element that provides complete closure for security, and the second cover element with specific openings for selective access. The locking device further segments its locking capability by providing different recesses that can engage with different cover elements, allowing independent control of each cover's locking state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested cover configuration where the second cover element is positioned beneath or within the area covered by the first cover element. When the first cover element is in the closed position, it overlays and conceals the second cover element, providing complete closure. When the first cover element is opened, the second cover element becomes accessible, allowing selective access to specific openings without compromising the security provided by the first cover element.
3Device complexity
If the locking element is fixed in one position, then the structure is simple, but the cover element cannot assume different pivot positions based on user authorization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static locking element into a dynamic component capable of assuming multiple positions. The locking element is designed to pivot or rotate between different angular positions, allowing it to engage with different recesses in the cover element. This dynamic positioning capability enables the locking device to control the cover element at different pivot positions based on user authorization, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a waste container with a closure device (6) for at least partially closing at least one opening of the waste container (1), wherein the closure device (6) comprises at least one first cover element (3) for covering the opening, which is pivotably mounted on a base body (2) of the waste container about a first real or fictitious axis (5).