Garbage Can Liner Support with Compliant Latch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garbage cans struggle with adhering plastic liners, creating vacuum issues during removal and puncture risks from sharp objects, while also lacking structural integrity and ease of cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a body and base configuration that includes a compliant latch and sloping design to facilitate liner removal without vacuum forces, protect against punctures, and enhance cleaning, featuring a base that attaches to the body to support the liner and capture spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic garbage bag is folded over the top edge of the can, then the bag adheres to the sidewall of the can, but it becomes difficult to withdraw the bag due to adherence and vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
A removable support structure with a base and body is introduced as an intermediary between the bag and the can. The support structure includes a base that receives the bottom end of the bag and a body that extends upward to provide continuous support. This intermediary structure prevents direct adherence between the bag and can sidewall, eliminating the vacuum effect that makes removal difficult, while still providing reliable support for the bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate components: a removable base and a body portion. The base can be detached from the can and reused with different bags, while the body provides structural support. This segmentation allows the support function to be separated from the bag itself, enabling easy bag removal without leaving vacuum adhesion to the can.
2Ease of operation
If garbage cans are made collapsible to facilitate bag removal, then bag removal is easier, but the cans lack structural integrity to hold trash bags at full capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a removable base that can be dynamically detached and reattached. When the base is attached, it provides rigid structural support for full-capacity trash bags. When the base is removed, it facilitates easy bag removal without requiring the can itself to be collapsible. This dynamic component allows the system to switch between providing structural integrity and enabling easy removal.
3Ease of operation
If air tubes and holes are formed into the garbage can to decrease vacuum, then vacuum is reduced, but the can strength decreases and liquids and smells may seep through
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the can structure with air tubes or holes, a removable support structure with a base is introduced as an intermediary. The base provides a solid foundation that prevents vacuum formation during bag removal without requiring any openings in the can wall. This approach maintains the can's structural integrity and sealing properties while still solving the vacuum problem through the intermediate support mechanism.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If bag support devices are made taller than garbage bags to protect from punctures, then puncture protection is provided, but the devices use awkward, elongated handles and the bag is still unprotected from external hazards
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the support device vertically upward (one dimension) to protect the bag, the invention provides support from below by receiving the bottom end of the bag in a base (another dimension). The body extends upward only as needed to support the bag's weight, not excessively tall. This dimensional approach provides adequate puncture protection at the vulnerable bottom area while maintaining reasonable handle length and ergonomics.
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 easy removal of liners without vacuum, protects against punctures, increases storage capacity, reduces liner usage, and improves cleanliness, especially in environments like hospitals.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum which is created between the bottom of the bag and that of the can when the bag is pulled out of the can
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for releasably supporting a liner, such as a trash bag or laundry bag, within a container, such as a trash can or laundry basket. The apparatus includes a body and a base. The base includes a top opening and a bottom opening, with the area of the top opening being less than the area of the bottom opening. The base is releaseably attachable to the body using a compliant latch. Additionally, the body gradually slopes inward from the bottom opening to the top opening. The body is configured to receive a liner, which removably fits inside the body to protect the body from direct contact with soiled objects.