Foot-Operated Waste Receptacle Lid Linkage With Rolling Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste receptacles require manual lid lifting, which is undesirable due to soiling concerns, and there is a need for a hands-free, retrofittable foot-operated lid lifting device that minimizes wear and tear on the receptacle.
Innovation Solution
A foot-operated lid lifting device with a low-profile configuration, comprising a foot lever, four-bar linkage, and connecting rod, which allows the lid to be lifted by stepping on the foot lever, minimizing sliding friction and wear on the receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual lid lifting mechanism is used, then the lid can be opened, but the user's hands become soiled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foot-operated lever as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the lid. The user applies force to the lever with their foot, which transmits this force through a linkage system to lift the lid, eliminating direct contact between hands and the soiled lid area.
2Ease of operation
If a foot-operated lid lifting device is added to existing waste receptacles, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the receptacle structure is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The lid lifting function is segmented from the main receptacle structure. The foot-operated lever and linkage system are implemented as separate, modular components that can be independently installed and removed, minimizing modification to the original receptacle structure.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional lid lifting mechanism is installed, then the lid can be lifted, but wear and corrosion reduce the receptacle lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lid lifting mechanisms (which involve sliding parts and joints prone to wear and corrosion) with a lever-based system that uses rolling contact. The dog-leg member's rolling contact with the lid minimizes sliding friction and wear on both the mechanism and the receptacle structure.
4Length of stationary object
If a low-profile configuration is used, then the device fits better on existing receptacles, but the mechanism becomes more compact and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves a low-profile configuration by orienting the linkage mechanism vertically along the receptacle wall rather than extending horizontally. The dog-leg member is positioned to engage the lid from below, allowing the mechanism to fit within the vertical space of the receptacle while maintaining functional effectiveness.
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 hands-free operation with reduced wear and tear on the receptacle, maintaining its lifespan and providing easy installation on existing and new waste receptacles.
Implementation Method 1
A linkage having a dog-leg member that extends in a direction toward the lid and that terminates at a free end, the free end configured to make rolling contact with an underside of the lid
Data Source
AI summary
A foot operated lid opener device for a waste receptacle having a hinged lid a has a foot lever that is pivotally attached to an interior side of a sidewall of the waste receptacle. A linkage having a dog-leg member that extends in a direction toward the lid and that terminates at a free end, the free end configured to make rolling contact with an underside of the lid. A connecting rod is pivotally attached at one end to the foot lever and is pivotally attached to a link of the linkage, such that depressing the foot lever causes the dog-leg member to move in a direction that lifts the lid.