Gravity-Actuated Latch for Animal-Proof Waste Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch mechanisms for outdoor refuse containers are either difficult to use, require re-engagement after use, or can be opened by animals, and are not compatible with fully-automated collection systems, leading to vulnerability to animal access and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-actuated latch mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the container, using a combination of a catch, lever, disc member, and latch actuation ball to secure the lid, resisting animal access and tipping, and allowing automated emptying by refuse trucks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch system is installed to prevent animal access, then animal-proofing is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the latch is difficult to manipulate and requires re-engagement after use
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically engages when the container lid is closed, eliminating the need for manual re-engagement. The system uses the container's own movement and gravity to automatically secure the latch, making it self-servicing and improving ease of operation while maintaining animal-proofing reliability
2Reliability
If a latch system is installed to prevent animal access, then animal-proofing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch body, a latch arm, and a latch actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining effective animal-proofing capability
3Productivity
If the container is designed for automated collection, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the container is vulnerable to animal access and weather conditions when unlatched
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage when the container is in the upright position, before the automated collection truck arrives. This preliminary action ensures the container is protected from animals and weather conditions during the waiting period, while still allowing automated collection when the truck arrives and applies force to the latch actuator
4Reliability
If heavy reinforcing components are added to the container, then animal-proofing is improved by resisting physical damage, but weight increases making the container unwieldy and prone to premature hinge failure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heavy reinforcing components to resist animal damage, the patent uses a mechanical latch system that actively prevents access. The latch mechanism replaces the need for heavy reinforcement by providing an active locking function that is easier to manipulate and less likely to fail prematurely
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 mechanism provides secure animal-proofing without user re-engagement needs, is compatible with automated collection systems, and withstands container tipping, ensuring effective protection and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a latch actuation ball housed in an elongated passage within the housing. The latch mechanism is configured to inhibit smaller animals such as raccoons, squirrels, dogs, and the like, from accessing the contents of the container. Furthermore, the latch mechanism includes a gravity-actuated lever and catch structural configuration
Implementation Method 2
the latch mechanism includes a gravity-actuated lever and catch structural configuration that is resists unlatching in the instance that the container is tipped over
Data Source
AI summary
A gravity-actuated latch mechanism is provided. The gravity-actuated latch mechanism may include a strike attached to a lid of a container and a latch body attached to a wall of the container. The latch body includes a housing and a catch accessible from outside of the housing, wherein the catch engages and disengages with the strike. The latch body includes a lever having a lever arm moveable between an engaged and disengaged position. The engaged position is engaged with the catch and the disengaged position is disengaged with the catch. The latch body also includes a latch actuation member such as a ball housed in an elongated passage within the housing. The lever arm of the lever extends into the elongate passage, allowing the latch actuation member to apply force to the lever arm to move the lever from the engaged to the disengaged position in response to tipping the container for dumping.