Elastic Lid Retainer for Garbage Can Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garbage can lid retention systems often require complex buckles, straps, or permanent attachments that interfere with sanitation workers' ability to efficiently lift and dump refuse, posing safety risks due to potential lid strikes.
Innovation Solution
A garbage can and lid system featuring a smooth skirted design with a raised central rib and concave recess to accommodate an elastic securement cord, such as a bungee cord, which is removably attached via molded fasteners, allowing for secure lid retention without permanent tethering and facilitating easy removal by sanitation workers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is permanently tethered to the can via hinges or flexible tethers, then the lid remains securely attached, but the sanitation worker's ability to quickly lift and dump refuse is interfered with and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into separate components: the lid, the can, and an independent elastic retainer. The retainer is not permanently attached to either the lid or can, allowing the lid to be freely removed when needed while maintaining retention when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static permanent attachment to dynamic conditional retention. The elastic retainer provides retention only when the lid is in the closed position, and can be quickly released when the lid needs to be removed, adapting to the operational state.
2Reliability
If complex buckles or fasteners are used to tether the lid, then the lid can be securely retained, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex buckles and fasteners are extracted and replaced with a simple elastic retainer that uses natural elastic tension to provide retention. The retainer attaches to simple anchor points on the can and lid without requiring complex joining mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retainer is self-retaining through its elastic tension, automatically maintaining lid retention without requiring additional fasteners, buckles, or complex locking mechanisms. The elastic force itself provides the retention function.
3Reliability
If the lid is tethered to the can, then the lid stays in place, but the lid may swing back and strike the sanitation worker during dumping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is extracted from the tethered state and made fully removable. The elastic retainer holds the lid only when closed, but allows complete removal when needed, eliminating the swing-back hazard entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prevents the harmful swing-back effect by not tethering the lid to the can at all. The elastic retainer provides retention only when the lid is properly positioned on the can, and allows free removal when the lid needs to be taken off, preemptively avoiding the safety hazard.
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 system allows for safe and efficient removal of the lid without the risk of it striking workers, enabling quick dumping and reducing the complexity of lid release mechanisms, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic securement cord, such as a bungee cord, which is removably attached
Data Source
AI summary
A trash barrel receptacle or storage bin container includes a detached lid having a predetermined depth, which is held down with an elastic lid retainer. The garbage can or storage bin and lids use no physical locks or canvas straps, but include the elastic lid retainer, which avoids the need for a pivotable handle located near the top of the garbage can or storage bin, to lock the lid over the garbage can or storage bin. The lid has a central portion with a concave groove or channel to retain the bungee cord within, to prevent the lid from sliding off laterally off of the refuse barrel or storage bin.