Garbage Can Retention Clip for Animal-Proof Lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged lid trash cans are vulnerable to animal entry, as existing solutions fail to securely keep the lid closed while allowing human access for disposal.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising interconnecting side release buckles, polyester webbing with metal eyelets, and a cable tie, which secures the hinged lid to the trash can, preventing animal entry while allowing easy human access by using a side release buckle mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged lid trash can is left open for easy human access, then humans can easily dispose of trash, but animals can enter the trash can
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retention clip as an intermediary device that mediates between the lid and the can body. This clip acts as a mechanical intermediary that provides selective retention - strong enough to prevent animal entry but easily releasable by humans through a simple release mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip employs a dynamic retention mechanism where the clip can be in two states: engaged (retaining the lid closed against animals) and disengaged (allowing human access). The spring-loaded or elastic nature of the clip allows it to dynamically adapt between these states based on human interaction, providing automatic retention when not in use and easy release when needed
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a retention mechanism is added to prevent animal entry, then animal entry is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a retention clip with gripping surfaces, a release button or lever, and attachment points. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity - the clip provides retention, the button provides release, and attachment points provide mounting, reducing overall system complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip is designed to be self-retaining through elastic deformation or spring mechanisms, eliminating the need for additional locking components or complex fastening systems. The clip automatically engages and maintains the lid in a closed position without requiring external power or complex mechanisms, thus preventing animal entry while maintaining device simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes two interconnecting side release buckles configured to releasable connect to each other. A first webbing is secured in a loop to one release buckle, while a second webbing is secured around the other release buckle. A cable tie is positioned through the loop in the first webbing and inserted through openings in the hinged lid such that the cable tie can be tied about itself to secure the release buckle to the hinged lid. A fastener is secured through an eyelet in the second webbing and secured to a region on the trash can. Upon securing one of the side release buckles to the trash can and the other side release buckle to hinged lid, the side release buckles may be connected to each other to secure the trash can to the hinged lid and released to permit the hinged lid to open.