Pedal-Operated Lid With Segmented Lift Rod for 270-Degree Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste receptacles with pedal-operated lid mechanisms are limited in opening angle, typically allowing less than 90 degrees, which is insufficient for large format or street-side use requiring up to 270 degrees of opening for efficient waste collection.
Innovation Solution
A waste receptacle design featuring a pedal-operated lift rod that adjusts the lid to a maximum angle of 60 to 90 degrees when engaged, and allows manual opening up to 270 degrees, enabling full accessibility for waste collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pedal-operated lid mechanism is rigidly attached to the lid, then the lid opening angle is limited by the pedal stroke, but this limits the maximum opening angle to less than 90 degrees which is insufficient for automated collection
Solution Approach 1:
The lid opening mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: a pedal-operated lift rod mechanism for automated opening to 60-90 degrees, and a separate hinge mechanism allowing manual opening to 270 degrees. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function while the combination provides overall versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid mechanism transitions from a static rigid attachment to a dynamic system where the lift rod can engage and disengage from the lid. The lift rod moves between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the lid to switch between pedal-operated mode and manual mode, providing adaptive functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lid is manually rotatable to 270 degrees, then full accessibility is achieved for automated collection, but the pedal-operated mechanism cannot achieve this angle
Solution Approach 1:
The lift rod acts as an intermediary component between the pedal mechanism and the lid. When engaged, it transmits the pedal's lifting force to open the lid to 60-90 degrees. When disengaged, it allows the lid to be manually opened to 270 degrees without pedal interference, mediating between automated and manual operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal mechanism provides partial automation for the most common operation (opening to 60-90 degrees), while the manual mechanism provides excessive capability (270 degrees) for specialized situations like automated collection, ensuring both efficiency and versatility.
3Ease of operation
If a pedal-operated mechanism is added to large format wheeled receptacles, then ease of use is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the pedal mechanism rigidly to the lid, the invention inverts the approach by having the lift rod pivot at the base and engage with the lid through a channel. This inversion simplifies the connection points and allows for easier assembly and maintenance.
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 provides a hands-free step-on lid opening mechanism combined with full lid openness, enhancing usability and compliance with automated collection standards, suitable for both interior and large format receptacles.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated lift rod having a first end coupled to the pedal and a second end that is distal the first end, the second end being disposed in the first end of the channel when the pedal is in the first position and the lid is disposed in a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a lid hingedly coupled to the enclosure, the lid defining a channel having a first end and a second end
Data Source
AI summary
Waste receptacles (100) with pedal-operated lids (108) are provided. A waste receptacle includes an enclosure (102) having an enclosed base portion (104) and at least one sidewall (106) defining an open top portion (105), a lid (108) hingedly coupled to the enclosure and defining a channel, a pedal (112) pivotably coupled to the base portion, and an elongated lift rod (116) having a first end coupled to the pedal and a second end being disposed in the first end of the channel when the pedal is in the first position and the lid is disposed in a closed position and being disposed in the second end of the channel when the pedal is in the second position.