Filling Lock Mechanism for Underground Waste Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drum terminals for waste containers are expensive and require multiple sizes for different-sized containers, leading to high manufacturing costs and inefficiencies, as well as potential issues with the lid closing under the weight of waste, which can hinder user operation.
Innovation Solution
The development of buried or semi-buried container terminals with a mechanical connection system allowing the hatch to assume extended and relaxed closed positions, featuring a rotational movement and a retractable stop mechanism, which prevents the lid from closing prematurely under waste weight, and includes a closing damper for user safety and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drum terminals are used to provide access control and prevent waste fall, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into separate functional components: a lid for access control at the top opening and a hatch for waste fall prevention at the bottom opening. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and maintained, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The lid and hatch mechanism is designed to be universal and adaptable, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple container sizes and configurations. The mechanical connection system can be adjusted to work with variable airlock dimensions without requiring complete redesign, improving ease of manufacture
2Reliability
If the lid is mechanically connected to prevent waste fall, then reliability is improved, but the lid may close prematurely under waste weight reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system incorporates a counterbalancing mechanism that compensates for the weight of waste in the airlock. The system is designed so that the lid remains easy to operate even when the hatch is subjected to the weight of a waste bag, as the mechanical connection exceeds the maximum push or pull point and returns to a relaxed closed position
Solution Approach 2:
The lid and hatch are designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing the hatch to assume extended and relaxed closed positions. The mechanical connection allows the system to adapt its state based on operational conditions, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring waste fall prevention
3Reliability
If the mechanical connection is made rigid to prevent lid closing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing the hatch to move between extended and relaxed closed positions. This dynamic design provides reliability in preventing waste fall while avoiding the excessive complexity of a fully rigid mechanical connection system
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in the mechanical connection, specifically the ability of the hatch to assume different closed positions (extended and relaxed). This flexibility maintains reliability while simplifying the overall device complexity by using position variation rather than complex mechanical constraints
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 provides a cost-effective, user-friendly terminal that maintains access control and prevents waste fall while reducing the likelihood of the lid closing unexpectedly, enhancing operational ease and safety by allowing variable airlock dimensions without redesigning the geometry.
Implementation Method 1
provision may be made for the lid to include a closing damper which limits its speed of movement when it is closed
Implementation Method 2
it could happen that the lid closes if the weight of the waste bag is sufficient to move the hatch by driving the lid towards its closed position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The terminal (1) has a rod (15) provided between a lid (5) and a trap door (11). A hopper for introduction of waste is formed by the lid and the door. The door is closed when the lid is opened, and opened when the lid is closed. The rod, anchoring points (15A, 15B) of the rod, and an axis (7) of the lid retain the door in the closed position, and prevent opening of the trap door when the lid is opened. The rod, the points and the axis are arranged so that a load carried by the door and tending to open the door does not produce a force tending to close the lid, when the door is closed.