Flexible Latch Wheel Mechanism for Wind-Resistant Refuse Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refuse containers are prone to lid opening due to strong winds, leading to unsecured contents and potential overturning, and existing solutions fail to effectively secure the lid under various weather conditions and wildlife tampering.
Innovation Solution
A refuse container design featuring a flexible latch with a rotatable wheel that secures the lid in a closed position and allows easy opening for dumping, using a flexible body that bends to engage and disengage the receptacle rim, and a wheel that protrudes under the receptacle rim to enhance stability and secure the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple lid design is used, then the container is easy to manufacture and operate, but the lid cannot resist strong winds and premature opening
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is designed as a flexible, dynamic component that can deflect and return. It moves between engaged and disengaged states based on applied forces, allowing the lid to open intentionally while resisting wind-induced opening through elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state of the latch arm through elastic deformation. The arm's flexibility allows it to transition between different positional states (engaged/disengaged) in response to varying forces, transforming a static locking problem into a dynamic elastic response
2Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is added, then the lid can resist wind and wildlife tampering, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the lid's position and applied forces. The spring-loaded mechanism self-actuates without external control, using the lid's own movement and the applied force to trigger latching and unlatching actions
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arm acts as an intermediary element between the lid and the receptacle rim. It translates the lid's closing motion into engagement with the rim, and wind forces into disengagement, mediating the interaction between these components
3Ease of operation
If the latch arm is made flexible to allow lid opening, then the lid can open for dumping, but the latch may engage prematurely with the receptacle rim
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm's flexibility allows it to dynamically respond to different force magnitudes. Small forces (wind) cause deflection without engagement, while larger forces (lid opening) trigger the engagement/disengagement cycle, creating a threshold-based response that prevents premature latching
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch arm is pre-positioned with elastic potential energy that cushions against premature engagement. The elastic deformation absorbs minor impacts and wind forces before they can trigger engagement, requiring sufficient force to overcome the spring's resistance
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 design effectively secures the container contents from natural elements and wildlife, while allowing easy opening for dumping, even in windy conditions, by using a flexible latch mechanism that resists premature opening and accommodates the expansion of the receptacle rim during emptying.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible latch with a rotatable wheel that secures the lid in a closed position and allows easy opening for dumping, using a flexible body that bends to engage and disengage the receptacle rim
Implementation Method 2
a wheel rotatable relative to the flexible body, and the wheel can protrude under the receptacle rim when the lid is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch for a container is disclosed. The latch can comprise a body, which can be mounted to a lid of the container. The latch can further comprise a wheel that is rotatable relative to the body. The latch can engage the receptacle of the container. For example, the wheel can protrude under the rim of the receptacle when the lid is in a closed orientation relative to the receptacle. In other instances, the latch can be mounted to the receptacle of the container, and can releasably engage the lid of the container.