Disk-Shaped Trash Liner Retainer With Flexible Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing trash liners from slipping into receptacles are often cumbersome, difficult to use, especially for individuals with limited hand dexterity, and may pose a risk of injury due to rigidity, while also being less versatile and inefficient in accommodating various sizes and shapes of receptacles.
Innovation Solution
A disk-shaped device made of either solid non-corrugated cardboard or molded rubber with triangular or arced curvilinear flaps serving as a hinge mechanism, allowing for flexible adaptation to the trash liner and featuring an adhesive strip for secure attachment, providing a compact and space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cone-shaped device with rigid prongs is used to secure the trash liner, then the liner is held firmly in place, but the device is difficult to manipulate and may cause injury to users with limited hand dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid prongs with flexible fingers made of elastomeric material that can bend and flex during manipulation, reducing the risk of injury while maintaining securing effectiveness. The fingers are designed to be compliant rather than rigid, allowing safe interaction with user fingers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the securing elements from rigid to flexible by using elastomeric material with specific durometer values (20-70 Shore A), allowing the fingers to deform under load and during manipulation, thereby improving safety and ease of use while maintaining retention reliability.
2Reliability
If a cone-shaped device is used to secure the trash liner, then the liner is held firmly, but the device occupies more storage space and is less versatile for different receptacle sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the securing mechanism into multiple independent flexible fingers that can independently adjust to different receptacle sizes and shapes. This segmentation allows the same device to adapt to various container dimensions while maintaining effective liner retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically flexible fingers that can change their configuration and degree of engagement based on the receptacle size and liner tension, rather than being fixed in a rigid cone structure. This dynamic adaptability enables versatility across different container types.
3Ease of operation
If a thin piece of semi-flexible material with a single slot is used to secure the liner, then the device is simple and easy to store, but the liner may slip or shift out of position if not properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple securing functions into a single integrated device: the flexible fingers provide both initial liner capture and continuous position maintenance, while the adhesive component provides additional anchoring. This merging of functions ensures position stability without requiring precise manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fingers are designed to automatically self-adjust and self-position as the liner is inserted and tensioned, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning. The fingers naturally conform to the liner and receptacle geometry, providing stable positioning without user intervention.
4Reliability
If rigid teeth or prongs are used to hold the trash liner, then the liner is secured firmly, but the device may cause injury if users accidentally pinch their fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid teeth with flexible elastomeric fingers that can deform under compression, significantly reducing the risk of pinching injuries while maintaining adequate gripping force on the liner. The material compliance allows safe user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the securing elements from rigid to flexible by selecting elastomeric materials with appropriate durometer ranges (20-70 Shore A), allowing the fingers to yield under finger pressure while maintaining sufficient grip on the liner through friction and normal force.
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 solution effectively secures trash liners in place, reducing slippage and ease of use, while being durable, versatile, and easy to store, with the adhesive option facilitating handling of filled liners.
Implementation Method 1
The reverse side of the device features a circular adhesive strip with a peelable protective covering for attaching the device to a filled trash liner and acts as a closure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a disk-shaped device for securing plastic trash liners in a trash receptacle, with two durable 53 mm diameter, 3 mm thick embodiments. The first embodiment has eight isosceles triangular flaps, positioned around the central point, with tips at the center and bases in contact with the circumferential rim. The second embodiment has eight curvilinear arced triangular flaps, positioned around the central point, with bases in contact with the circumferential rim and tips positioned around a central 2 mm aperture. The liner is threaded through the central point or aperture, allowing the flaps to flex and create a tight seal, preventing slipping.