Foot-Activated Latch Mechanism for Animal-Resistant Waste Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal-resistant refuse or recycling containers require manual manipulation, which can be difficult for users and allow access by animals like bears, as they often rely on hand-operated latches that can be operated by downward pressure.
Innovation Solution
A foot-activated latch and linkage system that opens a user access door for hands-free operation, featuring an interlocked mechanism with a kick plate, support arms, and a torsion spring to prevent simple downward pressure activation by animals, ensuring the latch is self-latching upon release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hand-operated latch is used in an animal-resistant container, then the container provides basic security against casual access, but animals like bears can still operate it by applying downward pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple hand-operated mechanical latch with a foot-operated pedal mechanism. This substitution changes the input method from hand manipulation to foot pressure, allowing users to operate the latch without manual dexterity while maintaining animal resistance. The pedal system uses leverage and linkage to convert foot pressure into latch activation, solving the contradiction between animal resistance and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the latch operation by using a foot pedal that moves upward to activate the latch. Instead of horizontal or rotational hand movements, the system uses vertical foot pressure applied to a pedal. This dimensional change allows intuitive operation by users while preventing animal manipulation, as bears cannot effectively apply controlled upward pressure to a pedal mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a simple foot-operated pedal is used to open container lids, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the mechanism can be easily operated by downward pressure from animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional foot pedal mechanism by having the pedal move upward rather than downward to activate the latch. This inversion means that the natural downward pressure applied by animal paws or bears cannot operate the mechanism. Instead, the user must deliberately lift their foot against gravity to activate the latch, providing hands-free operation while maintaining animal resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a spring-loaded return mechanism that constantly applies downward force to keep the pedal in the closed position. This preliminary anti-action counterbalances any upward pressure, requiring users to apply sufficient force to overcome the spring tension. The mechanism is pre-configured to resist the typical downward pressure from animals while remaining operable by deliberate human foot movement.
3Reliability
If manual manipulation is required to operate the latch, then basic security is maintained, but user contamination from contact with potentially contaminated surfaces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hand-operated mechanical controls with a foot-operated pedal system. This substitution eliminates direct contact between the user's hands and the container's latch mechanism or potentially contaminated surfaces. The foot pedal serves as an intermediary that activates the security mechanism without requiring manual manipulation, thus preventing contamination while maintaining container security.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot pedal acts as an intermediary between the user and the latch mechanism. Instead of hands directly manipulating the latch, the pedal transmits foot pressure through a linkage system to activate the security feature. This intermediary approach allows users to maintain distance from contaminated surfaces while still effectively securing the container.
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 system provides secure, hands-free access to containers while preventing animal access, maintaining container integrity and reducing user contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a kick plate or bumper (6), which is connected to a pair of support arms (8) affixed to pivot rod (10). A spring retainer (12) mounted across support arms (8) rests against a torsion spring (14), which biases the arms (8) and kick plate (6) towards the front of the container.
Implementation Method 2
The support arms (8) include a step lock (16), which extends forwardly to support a pedal locking pin (18), mounted on the underside of foot pedal (20).
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a foot operated latch and linkage means permitting hands-free access to a waste or recycling container. The latch includes a kick plate which is interlocked with a foot pedal whereby displacement of the kick plate permits release of the foot pedal to move from a latched position to an unlatched position, which pedal movement engages a linkage which opens a user access door in the container.