Flexible Waste Bin Divider for Universal Container Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste containers with compartmentalization are fixed and made to measure, requiring the purchase of new, expensive containers even if the existing ones are not yet due for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A flexible compartmentalizing device that can be attached to the edge of an existing container, featuring a peripheral element and dividing bodies that are adjustable in length and shape to fit various container sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waste container is made with fixed compartmentalization built-in, then the compartmentalization is optimized for that specific container, but a new expensive container must be purchased even if an older container is not yet due for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The partition board is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt to different container shapes and sizes. The flexible material enables the partition to bend and conform to the contours of various container types, providing universal compatibility while maintaining effective compartmentalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition board's physical properties are changed by using flexible materials that can alter their shape and configuration. This allows the same partition board to be adapted to different container geometries by changing its form rather than requiring different rigid structures for each container type.
2Reliability
If multiple different waste containers are purchased for different waste categories, then waste separation is achieved, but the number of containers increases which is inconvenient for households
Solution Approach 1:
The interior space of a single container is divided into multiple compartments using flexible partition boards. This segmentation allows one container to function as multiple separate waste bins, achieving waste separation without requiring multiple separate containers.
Solution Approach 2:
A single waste container is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating flexible partitions that create distinct compartments for different waste categories. The container becomes a multi-functional system that replaces several separate containers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible and adjustable compartmentalizing device is used, then the device can be adapted to any desired shape and size of container, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The partition board is constructed from flexible materials that can conform to different container geometries. This flexibility is achieved through material selection and structural design that allows bending and shaping without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible partition board is designed to be easily installed and adjusted by the user without requiring complex tools or mechanisms. The simplicity of the flexible structure allows for straightforward adaptation to different containers while maintaining low complexity.
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 device provides a space-efficient and adaptable solution for waste separation, allowing for use with multiple container sizes and shapes without the need for new purchases, and is easy to store and install.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral element is able to assume the shape of the container, for example the shape of the peripheral wall around the access opening of the internal space of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A device for compartmentalizing a container, such as a waste bin, into several compartments incudes an attachment which is configured to be attached to an edge of the container, which edge defines an access to a space for holding waste, and a dividing body which is configured, in use, to extend inside the edge of the container in order to divide the access into a first opening of a first compartment and at least one second opening of a second compartment. The dividing body is attachable to the edge of the container by means of the attachment. The dividing body and/or the attachment is at least partly flexible in order to be adjustable between a first, relatively compact, position of the device and at least one further, extended, position of the device.