Multi-Section Lid Waste Collector Linkage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waste bins with large lids face issues of increased weight and force requirements for the linkage and pedal assemblies, leading to stability challenges and higher material costs due to the need for a double-walled design, especially when a separately removable bucket is used.
Innovation Solution
A waste bin design featuring a modified lid with detachable and pivotable sections, a distributor element for distributing pedal movement, and a locking device that allows the lid sections to be swung away from the bucket, eliminating the need for a separately removable bucket and reducing material costs by integrating the bucket as the outer shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the waste bin volume and lid surface area are increased, then the waste bin capacity is improved, but the lid weight increases and the linkage arrangement must transmit correspondingly large forces
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two separate lid sections (5, 5') that can pivot independently about their own axes. This segmentation distributes the total weight and force requirements across two smaller components rather than one large lid, reducing the force transmission demands on the linkage arrangement while maintaining adequate coverage of the waste bin interior.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a double-walled design with casing is provided to accommodate separately removable bucket, then the structural stability is improved, but the material costs and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket (1) is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as both the container for waste and as the outer shell (casing) of the waste collector. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate double-walled casing structure, significantly reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the necessary structural stability to support the lid and linkage arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bucket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the waste container, the structural casing, and the mounting base for the lid and linkage arrangement. This universal design approach replaces the traditional separate casing structure, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the lid sections are pivoted by at least 90° to completely clear the horizontal projection surface of the bucket, then the accessibility for waste disposal is improved, but return springs and damping elements are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lid sections are designed with pivotable attachment to the frame element, allowing dynamic movement to at least 90° opening position. This dynamic configuration enables complete clearance of the bucket's horizontal projection surface for easy waste disposal access, while the pivot mechanism itself provides the necessary movement control without requiring additional return springs or damping elements.
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 design ensures automatic closure via gravity, reduces material costs, and simplifies handling of waste bags without requiring a return mechanism, while maintaining ease of use and accessibility for waste disposal.
Implementation Method 1
By stepping on the pedal, the lid is swung open by means of the linkage arrangement in order to open the waste bin. After releasing the pedal, the lid closes again automatically, mostly due to gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a waste collector comprising a bucket (1) and a lid (4) that covers the bucket and is pivotably mounted in the region of an upper rim of the bucket to allow it to be pivoted upwards to open the waste collector. The waste collector further comprises a pedal assembly (3, 20) arranged in the region of a base of the bucket, and a linkage assembly (8, 12) that connects the pedal assembly to the lid to pivot the lid open by movement of the pedal assembly. The lid is multi-part and has at least two lid sections (5), each of which is pivotable about its own axis (30, 30'). The lid also has a frame element (6) that is detachably and/or pivotably mounted in the region of the upper rim of the bucket, and to which the lid sections (5) are pivotably attached.