Foot-Operated Flip-Top Trash Can Cover for Full Opening Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trash cans with foot-operated pedals have limited opening angles, requiring users to bend down and maintain foot position, making it inconvenient to dispose of trash and replace bags, and the design hinders complete opening and closing of the cover.
Innovation Solution
A foot-operated flip-top trash can with a covering-closing mechanism featuring a main and auxiliary cover, a trigger mechanism, and a clamping channel, allowing for a 90° or greater rotation angle, and a buffer mechanism to facilitate smooth operation and secure bag fixation, along with a deodorizing system and bag storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover opening angle is limited to within 90° to enable automatic closing, then the cover can close automatically under gravity, but the opening is not completely opened making it difficult to take out the trash bag
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into two independent parts: an auxiliary cover that rotates with the pedal for opening, and a main cover that remains stationary or rotates minimally for closing. This segmentation allows the auxiliary cover to provide the necessary opening angle for trash bag removal while the main cover maintains the automatic closing function through its limited rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary cover acts as an intermediary between the pedal mechanism and the main cover. It transmits the opening motion from the pedal while isolating the main cover from large rotation angles, allowing the main cover to maintain its automatic closing property while the auxiliary cover enables complete opening.
2Productivity
If the user keeps foot on the pedal continuously to maintain opening, then the trash can remains open for continuous trash disposal, but the movement range of the user is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static pedal position requirement to a dynamic latch mechanism. The pedal initiates opening by rotating the auxiliary cover, which then latches in the open position without requiring continuous pedal pressure. This dynamic transition allows the cover to remain open stably while freeing the user's movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism provides self-sustaining open position without continuous external force. Once the auxiliary cover is rotated to the open position by the pedal, the latch structure maintains this state automatically, eliminating the need for continuous user input and enabling continuous trash disposal with improved user freedom.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the collar ring rotation angle is limited to within 90°, then the cover can close properly, but the opening is not completely opened making it difficult to replace the trash bag
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is segmented between the auxiliary cover and main cover. The auxiliary cover handles the large rotation angle needed for complete opening and trash bag access, while the main cover maintains the stable closing position with its limited rotation capability. This segmentation resolves the conflict between opening completeness and closing stability.
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
Enables convenient trash disposal without needing continuous foot operation, ensures complete opening and closing of the cover, secures trash bags, and provides effective odor control and easy bag replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a pedal (31) rotatably mounted on a low end of the can body
Implementation Method 2
the main cover rotates towards the circular opening under gravity to seal the exposure opening by closing the circular opening
Data Source
AI summary
A foot-operated flip-top trash can includes a receiving assembly comprising a can body having a receiving cavity and an exposure opening formed at a top end of the can body and communicated with the receiving cavity; a covering-closing mechanism comprising a covering-closing assembly and at least one connector; and a trigger mechanism comprising a pedal and at least one top-pusher, wherein the pedal is rotatably mounted on a low end of the can body, one end of the pedal is rotatably connected with the top-pusher, one end of the top-pusher away from the pedal is clamped to the clamping channel, and the top-pusher is driven by the pedal to move upward in case where the pedal is stepped on to be rotated.