Gravity-Actuated Hatch for Underground Waste Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste container closure systems for underground waste management are complex, prone to mechanical failure due to wear, and require external energy or manual intervention, failing to meet safety and eco-design standards, particularly in supporting loads and facilitating easy maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-actuated, mechanically simple and robust closure system using rotating hatches with integrated pedals and locking rods that automatically close the upper opening when the waste container is removed, allowing for effortless unlocking during container descent without hindering movement or requiring external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanical locking system is used to secure the hatch, then the reliability of the closure system is improved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system uses the weight of the container itself to actuate the locking mechanism. When the container is placed in the casing, its weight automatically triggers the hatch to close and lock via the gravity mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes complex mechanical locking components, external power sources, and control systems from the closure mechanism. The solution extracts only the essential function of locking and achieves it through a simple gravity-based system using the container's own weight.
2Ease of operation
If a gravity-based locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved and eco-design is enhanced, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the container's weight as the activating force, making the container itself the energy source for the locking operation. This eliminates external power requirements while maintaining reliable automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a gravity-based mechanism. The gravity mechanism uses the natural force of gravity acting on the container's weight to drive the locking action, simplifying the mechanical system while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If the closure system is designed to support 150 kg load, then the safety is improved, but the ability to allow light container descent is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is designed with dynamic characteristics that respond to the magnitude of the applied load. The gravity mechanism and locking system are calibrated to activate at specific weight thresholds, allowing light containers to descend freely while automatically securing when heavier loads are present.
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 ensures secure closure and easy maintenance by leveraging gravity for automatic locking and unlocking, supporting loads up to 150 kg without manual intervention, and facilitating smooth container handling while adhering to eco-design principles by minimizing resource usage.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanical locking/unlocking device comprises at least one gravity mechanism provided with at least one member movable by gravity in a first direction actuating a lock blocking the hatch when it is in the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
A secure closure system for a containment structure (1) located in the ground, covering the upper opening of the containment structure and closing automatically when the container (2) is removed from the containment structure (1), and comprising: - at least one rectangular hatch (3, 3') rotating about a horizontal axis between at least one horizontal closing position obstructing the upper opening of the containment structure (1) and a vertical opening position inside the containment structure (1); - means for returning the hatch(es) (3, 3') to the closed position; and - a mechanical locking/unlocking device for each hatch(es) (3, 3') in the closed position, said device being configured to be unlocked by the container (2) when it comes into contact with the hatch(es) (3, 3'). This system is characterized in that the mechanical locking/unlocking device includes at least one gravity mechanism.