Receptacle Lid Damper Using Graphite-Infused Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacles with rotary-type motion dampers for lids often produce noise and require additional mechanisms to reduce friction and noise during lid operation, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle design incorporating a low-friction and low-noise damper mechanism using lubricants like graphite powder, foam infused with graphite, and surface features such as dimples, along with sound-dampening materials like Teflon or Duracon, integrated into the housing to reduce noise and friction during lid movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If rotary-type motion dampers are used to slow lid closing movement, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
A foam element is introduced as an intermediary between the damper piston and the housing. This foam element serves as a mediator that provides friction-based motion control while eliminating the noise generated by traditional rotary dampers. The foam material absorbs impact and reduces friction noise, allowing the lid to close slowly and quietly without sacrificing aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional rotary mechanical damper system is replaced with a foam-based friction system. Instead of using rotating components and mechanical linkages that generate noise, the invention uses a foam element that provides resistance through material friction and deformation. This substitution eliminates the noisy mechanical elements while maintaining the desired slow-closing function and aesthetic appearance.
2Speed
If traditional dampening mechanisms are used, then lid closing speed is controlled, but friction and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the damper system by using a foam element with specific density, elasticity, and friction characteristics. By adjusting the foam's material properties and dimensions, the system achieves controlled lid closing speed while minimizing friction and noise. The foam's viscoelastic properties allow it to provide progressive resistance that controls speed without the high friction of traditional mechanical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper incorporates a composite structure combining foam material with potential lubricant-infused surfaces. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the foam's inherent friction and damping properties while potentially reducing surface friction through lubricant-infused dimples or patterns. The combination achieves smooth, controlled motion with minimal noise and friction.
3Ease of operation
If lubricants are applied to reduce friction, then motion smoothness is improved, but noise reduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foam element acts as a porous material that distributes and disperses lubricants throughout its structure. The porous network allows lubricant to be held within the foam matrix and released gradually during operation, providing continuous lubrication that reduces friction and noise simultaneously. This approach is more effective than surface application alone, as the lubricant is integrated throughout the entire contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates dimpled or curved surface features on the damper components. These curved surfaces work in conjunction with the lubricant to reduce friction by creating hydrodynamic pressure and minimizing direct contact areas. The dimples trap lubricant and guide motion smoothly, reducing both friction and the noise generated during lid operation.
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 solution effectively reduces audible noise and friction, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and durable operation by slowing the lid's closing movement and preventing slamming, while also enhancing the receptacle's overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
The dampening device may comprise a lubricant, such as a graphite powder
Implementation Method 2
The dampening device may comprise a dampening material, such as foam infused with graphite powder, to disperse the lubricant over time
Implementation Method 3
The dampening device may also employ surface features and other sound dampening features in its housings to reduce noise
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle having a lid can be provided with a pair of dampers configured to slow the movement of the lid from its open position toward its closed position. The dampers can be provided at opposite ends of a pedal connected to the receptacle body at opposite lateral positions relative to a side of the receptacle body. In some embodiments, the damper is configured to be high endurance and low noise. For example, the damper may comprise lubricants, such as a graphite powder. The damper may also comprise a mechanism, such as foam infused with graphite powder, to disperse the lubricant over time. The damper may also employ surface features or noise dampening features in its housings to prevent or reduce noise.