Gravity-Actuated Waste Container Lock for Secure Automatic Lid Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic locking devices for waste containers are bulky, expensive, and difficult to mount on variously shaped and sized containers, and they do not withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-actuated locking device with a base unit and a pivotable unit, featuring a sliding member, a rolling member, a biasing member, and a connecting member, which allows the lid of the container to lock in an upright position and automatically open when the container is tilted for dumping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chains and padlocks are used to lock the container, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the driver must leave the truck to unlock the padlock, increasing operational time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically unlocks when the container is tilted for dumping, eliminating the need for the driver to manually intervene. The system serves itself by detecting the tilt condition and releasing the lock automatically, thus preventing unauthorized access while saving driver time.
2Loss of time
If automatic locking mechanisms are installed to save driver time, then the driver does not need to leave the truck, but the devices become bulky, expensive, and difficult to mount on variously shaped containers
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with a universal mounting system that can be adapted to containers of various shapes and sizes. The base unit includes mounting brackets that can be configured for different container geometries, making the same locking mechanism applicable across multiple container types without requiring custom-designed bulky devices for each shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is divided into separate modular components including a base unit, locking mechanism, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows the device to be scaled and configured for different container sizes while maintaining a compact design, avoiding the need for a single large bulky unit.
3Loss of time
If conventional automatic locks are installed to prevent unauthorized access automatically, then driver intervention is eliminated, but the devices do not withstand the rigors of outdoor use in waste environment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes composite construction with corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or coated metals for components exposed to the waste environment. The housing and mechanical parts are made from materials that withstand exposure to moisture, chemicals, and physical abuse, ensuring long-term reliability in outdoor conditions.
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 locking device effectively prevents unauthorized access to the container while allowing automatic opening during dumping, reducing operational costs and enhancing durability for outdoor use.
Implementation Method 1
The rolling member is affected by gravity to be in the blocked position when the container is upright and in the unblocked position when the container is tilted past a predetermined angle
Implementation Method 2
The biasing member functions to retract the sliding member to the blocked position when dumping operation has completed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to waste containers and, more particularly, relates to a locking device for waste containers. The locking device is gravity actuated to an opened position on tilting of the container for dumping. The locking device allows the lid of the container, when the container is in an upright position, to be locked to prevent unauthorized access to the container. When the container is tilted from the upright position, e.g. to empty the contents of the container, the locking device is gravity actuated to allow the lid to open.