Single-piece Lid with Elastic Hinge for Waste Bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste collection bins with multiple parts for selective sorting are prone to water infiltration at the interface of the cover, which can damage paper or cardboard waste when exposed to rain, making recycling difficult.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece lid with an elastically deformable zone forming a hinge allows easy access to multiple storage spaces without risking water infiltration, using a flexible material like low-density polyethylene for the deformable zone to ensure seamless movement and secure fixing to the partition wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-part lid is used to provide access to multiple waste storage spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but water infiltration risk increases at the interface between parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lid parts into a single integrated lid structure. The lid is formed as one piece with an elastically deformable zone that allows movement between compartments, eliminating the interfaces between separate parts where water infiltration would occur. This maintains operational ease while completely preventing water entry at lid interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastically deformable zone within the lid that acts as a flexible hinge mechanism. This deformable zone allows the lid to move between different compartments while maintaining a continuous, water-tight seal. The flexible material enables the lid to adapt its shape for access while preventing water infiltration throughout the movement range.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a one-piece lid is used to prevent water infiltration, then water protection is improved, but ease of operation for accessing different compartments may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic movement capability to the one-piece lid through the elastically deformable zone. This zone allows the lid to be moved between different positions to access various compartments, transforming the static one-piece lid into a dynamic structure that maintains both water protection and operational ease. The lid can flex and move without compromising the continuous seal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate bins are used for different waste types, then waste sorting capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal waste storage space into multiple compartments using partition walls, allowing different waste types to be stored separately within a single bin. The lid is correspondingly divided into multiple portions, each accessible through the elastically deformable zone. This segmentation enables waste sorting functionality while reducing the overall number of separate bins needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional lid structure that can access multiple waste storage compartments through a single integrated lid. The elastically deformable zone serves multiple functions: it provides structural flexibility for movement, maintains water-tight seals, and enables access to different compartments. This universal lid design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate lids or bins.
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 prevents water infiltration while maintaining easy access to storage spaces, ensuring the integrity of recyclable materials like paper and cardboard by using a single-piece lid with an elastically deformable zone, enhancing the durability and usability of the waste collection bin.
Implementation Method 1
a lid formed in one piece and comprising several portions, each portion covering a different waste storage space, the lid comprising at least one elastically deformable area forming a hinge for at least one portion of the lid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a waste collection bin (2) comprising: - a tank (4), - at least one partition wall (8) delimiting different waste storage spaces in the tank (4), and - a lid (6) formed in one piece and comprising several portions (10, 12), each portion covering a different waste storage space, the lid (6) comprising at least one elastically deformable area (14) forming a hinge for at least one portion (10, 12) of the lid (6).