Grease Bin Lid With Dual Locking And Hinged Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard grease bins are vulnerable to theft due to the valuable reuse of their contents, necessitating a secure locking mechanism that allows easy access during servicing.
Innovation Solution
A theft-proof lid for grease bins featuring a hinge, two locking features - one with cut-out holes and pins, and another with a locking bar and slotted tabs - along with reinforcing ribs and a foldable design with a pour hole and hinged cover, ensuring secure closure and easy access for pumping or dumping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard grease bin is used, then the bin is easy to access during servicing, but the bin is vulnerable to theft of grease contents
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking features: a first locking feature with cut-out holes and pins for basic security, and a second locking feature with a locking bar and slotted tabs for enhanced security. This segmentation allows the system to provide different levels of security while maintaining ease of operation through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be movable between open and closed positions via a hinge connection, allowing easy access during servicing when opened, while the locking features dynamically engage to provide security when closed. The locking devices can be quickly engaged and disengaged to balance security and operational ease.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent theft, then security against theft is improved, but the complexity of the lid structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking features: a first locking feature with cut-out holes and pins for basic security, and a second locking feature with a locking bar and slotted tabs for enhanced security. This segmentation allows the system to provide different levels of security while maintaining ease of operation through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire lid complex and difficult to operate, the invention inverts the approach by providing a simple hinge mechanism for easy opening/closing, and adds separate locking features that only engage when needed. The locking devices are designed to be simple pins and bars that can be quickly engaged without complicating the overall lid structure.
3Strength
If reinforcing ribs are added to the lid, then the strength and durability of the lid is improved, but the weight of the lid increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcing ribs are added only at specific locations on the lid where structural strength is most needed, such as around the locking feature areas and along the edges. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary strength and durability without adding excessive weight across the entire lid structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The theft proof lid according to the invention provides a lockable lid for a container, in particular, a standard 200-300 gallon grease bin used by most rendering and bio-fuel companies. The theft proof lid keeps thieves from stealing the bin contents. The lid is permanently installed onto the bin. A dual locking feature of the lid allows for easy pumping or dumping of the bin. First, locking pins for locking and unlocking the front corners of the lid are provided. A front half of the lid is foldable relative to a rear half of the lid, so that the front half may be unlocked and opened for pumping out the contents of the bin. A center locking bar is provided to lock the rear half of the lid from being opened. The locking bar is removed when the bin is to be lifted and dumped, allowing the lid to swing open on a back lid hinge, particularly when the lid is in a folded position.