Gravity Pin Lid Lock for Waste Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Waste receptacles, such as trash cans, are prone to tipping over in high winds, causing contents to spill and creating safety hazards and cleanup costs, with existing locking solutions being invasive, non-compliant with standard bins, and failing to secure the lid when tipped in various directions.

Innovation Solution

A receptacle lid locking mechanism using a gravity pin, torsion spring, and latch, with a protective shroud and frame that securely attaches to the receptacle, allowing the lid to remain closed in high winds and automatically open when inverted for emptying, while being user-friendly and adaptable to various receptacle configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device is screwed into place on the trash can, then the lid can be secured, but the solution becomes invasive and non-compliant with standard bins

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid securityVSAvoidcompatibility with standard bins

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the receptacle body, a latch mechanism, and a locking arm. This segmentation allows the device to be adapted to different receptacle types without modifying the receptacle itself, while still providing reliable lid security through the coordinated action of its parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary element between the locking mechanism and the receptacle. It provides a non-invasive attachment point that accommodates various receptacle designs, enabling the locking device to work with standard bins without requiring alterations to the receptacle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the locking device is designed to secure the lid in all positions, then the lid remains closed in high winds, but it prevents intentional opening for emptying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid security in high windsVSAvoidease of emptying

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to maintain a locked position under normal conditions but release automatically when the receptacle is inverted for emptying. This dynamic behavior enables the device to provide reliable lid security during high winds while facilitating easy opening when needed for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The force of gravity that normally keeps the lid closed is converted into a beneficial feature for automatic opening during emptying. When the receptacle is inverted, gravity acts on the locking mechanism to automatically release the lid, transforming the potential problem of the lid staying closed into a useful automatic opening feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If the locking mechanism uses complex components, then it can withstand extreme weather conditions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather resistanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism achieves weather resistance through careful selection of material properties and geometric parameters rather than through complex component designs. The use of corrosion-resistant materials and optimized component dimensions allows the simple mechanism to withstand extreme weather conditions without requiring additional protective components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Weather-resistant features are applied locally to specific components that are most exposed to environmental conditions, such as the mounting bracket and latch surfaces. This targeted approach provides adequate weather resistance without requiring all components to be overly complex or heavily protected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively secures the lid of trash cans in high winds, preventing spills and allowing easy emptying, while withstanding extreme weather conditions and various orientations, ensuring contents remain contained without altering the receptacle's structure.

Implementation Method 1

one or more torsion springs;

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

a gravity pin (such as but not limited to a sliding pin or locking pin)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12091243B2Automatic receptacle lid lock

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (SDSU) FOUNDATION

AI summary

A lock for a lid of a receptacle such as a trash can comprises a gravity pin, a torsion spring, a lower pin, and a latch. The lock can be mounted to the receptacle and lid. The gravity pin and latch operate to substantially prevent the receptacle lid from inadvertently opening, while automatically allowing the lid to open when the receptacle is inverted. Also provided are lids and receptacles comprising lid locks as provided herein.