Device for opening and/or closing of waste containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste container opening devices complicate access to objects behind the containers due to automatically raised lids, preventing users from accessing the rear area, and require manual deactivation and full drawer extraction for object placement or retrieval.

Innovation Solution

A device with a support element and opening/closing mechanism that allows the container lid to be manually controlled, enabling independent access to the rear area by using a rotatable component and elastic means to switch between sliding paths for opening and closing the lid based on the drawer's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the automatic opening mechanism is deactivated and the drawer is completely extracted, then the user can access objects behind the containers, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to rear areaVSAvoidtime for manual operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically detecting the drawer extraction position and conditionally opening the lid without requiring user intervention. The mechanism serves itself by using the drawer's own movement to trigger the lid opening, eliminating the need for manual deactivation or activation by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If a simple manual lid control is used, then the device is easy to install and reliable, but the lid does not open automatically when the drawer is opened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidautomatic lid opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges a simple manual lid control mechanism with an automatic position-detection system. The actuation means combines a threshold trigger mechanism with elastic means to provide both automatic opening capability and manual override functionality, achieving a hybrid solution that maintains simplicity while adding automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy access to objects behind the containers by allowing manual control of the lid, ensuring reliable and intuitive operation with minimal components, and easy installation.

Implementation Method 1

elastic means (15a) configured to allow said rotatable component (15) to pass from the closed operating position (CP) to the open operating position (OP)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4370447B1Device for opening and/or closing of waste containers
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 VIBO SPA
  • EP4370447B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4370447B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4370447B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device (1) to operate the opening and/or closing of at least one covering element (4) for one or more containers (2), for example waste containers (2), positioned on a drawer (3) of a piece of furniture (F) which moves along a direction of extraction or retraction (X), comprises a movement element (8) for the covering element (4) and connected to the latter, and actuation components (9) locally fixed with said furniture (F), during the extraction or retraction of the drawer (3) there is the consequent opening or closing of the covering element (4), in the extraction position it is also possible to manually close the drawer (3) and in the subsequent retraction of the drawer (3) the device (1) keeps the covering element (4) closed without interference.