Elastic Strap Closure for Waste Container Lid Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential and commercial waste containers often have lids that unintentionally open when tipped over, allowing contents to spill or be accessed by animals, due to lack of a mechanism to prevent accidental opening.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with two straps and elastic members mounted on opposing sides of the container, which connect over the lid to keep it closed but can be manually opened for waste deposition or emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged lid is used on a waste container, then the container can be easily opened for waste deposition, but the lid may unintentionally open when the container is tipped over
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device uses elastic members that dynamically adjust their tension based on the container's orientation. When the container is upright, the elastic members maintain sufficient tension to keep the lid closed. When tipped over, the geometry changes cause the elastic members to relax, allowing the lid to remain securely closed against gravity and external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective constraint parameters based on container orientation. The straps and elastic members create a geometric configuration where the closing force is maximized in the upright position and maintained in tipped positions, while allowing manual override when needed for waste deposition.
2Reliability
If the lid is secured to prevent accidental opening, then containment is improved, but manual access for waste disposal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is pre-configured with adjustable straps and elastic members that create secure closure under normal conditions. The system is designed with preliminary consideration for manual access, allowing users to easily override the closure mechanism when needed for waste deposition, while maintaining secure containment during normal operation.
3Device complexity
If a simple closure mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent accidental opening in various orientations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device uses flexible straps combined with elastic members to create a simple yet effective restraint system. The flexibility of the straps allows them to adapt to different container orientations and tipping angles, maintaining closure reliability without requiring complex mechanical components or multiple adjustment mechanisms.
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
Effectively prevents the lid from opening when the container is knocked over, while allowing user access for waste disposal, enhancing security and containment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic member connected to one or both of the straps
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to a closure device for waste containers, particularly residential or commercial waste containers. In particular, the invention relates to a waste container closure device which prevents the lid from opening when the container is accidentally tipped over on its side. The closure device contains two straps: a right side strap and a left side strap; two mounting devices: a right side mounting device and a left side mounting device; and one or more elastic members. Those components cooperate to allow the straps to connect over the top of the lid of the waste container to remain closed when it is accidentally tipped on its side.