Pedal Waste Bin with Adjustable Frame and Volume Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Waste containers with pedal-operated swivel lids face challenges in adaptability of usable volume, as they are often fixed and not suitable for varying waste quantities, especially in households with fluctuating occupancy or during seasonal increases in waste generation.

Innovation Solution

A waste container design featuring a frame for hanging garbage bags with a reducible circumference and a trough-shaped insert element that can be reversed to adjust the container's volume, combined with a tension element made of plastic and a lever mechanism allowing the pedal to extend for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the waste container has a fixed volume, then the container body structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to varying waste quantities and household occupancy levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying waste quantitiesVSAvoidcontainer body structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the container body volume adjustable through a telescopic mechanism. The container body consists of an outer body and an inner body that can be inserted into and removed from the outer body, allowing the usable volume to be dynamically changed between full and reduced configurations. This enables adaptation to varying waste quantities while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the container body into separate components - an outer body and an inner body - that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The inner body can be inserted into the outer body to form the full volume configuration, or removed to create a reduced volume configuration. This segmentation enables volume adjustment without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the container uses a standard frame for hanging garbage bags, then the frame structure is simple, but it cannot securely hold smaller volume garbage bags without tearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure bag attachmentVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the frame circumference adjustable. The frame consists of a front frame part and a rear frame part that can be moved relative to each other along the container body, allowing the frame to be collapsed to a smaller circumference when smaller volume garbage bags are used. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable bag attachment for different bag sizes without requiring an overly complex frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the frame circumference to be changed according to the garbage bag volume. The frame parts can be positioned at different circumferences by moving them relative to each other, enabling the frame to adapt to different bag sizes. This parameter adjustment ensures secure attachment while maintaining a relatively simple frame design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the pedal is fixed in position, then the pedal mechanism is simple and stable, but it is not easily accessible for operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedal accessibilityVSAvoidpedal mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the pedal position adjustable. The pedal can be moved between a first position (retracted, not projecting beyond the front of the container) and a second position (extended, projecting beyond the front for easy access). This dynamic positioning allows the pedal to be accessible during operation while maintaining a compact appearance when not in use, without requiring an overly complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the use of garbage bags of smaller volumes without tearing, provides secure bag attachment, and allows easy conversion between full and reduced usable volumes, enhancing adaptability and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The pedal is connected via a lever mechanism to a push rod or pull element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 2

When the pedal, or rather a section of the pedal facing the front of the waste container, is pressed, it moves downwards. This causes the actuating section of the pedal facing the rear of the waste container to move upwards in a seesaw-like motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

The hinged lid is attached to the container body by a hinge, specifically in an upper rim area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4474313A1Waste container with pedal operated pivoting cover
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 ROTHO KUNST
  • EP4474313A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4474313A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4474313A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a waste container with a pedal-operated pivoting lid 2. A pedal 3 is arranged in a base area 4 of the waste container and is connected via a lever mechanism 13 to a push rod or pull element 8, which extends along a rear side 6 of the waste container to the pivoting lid 2 and establishes an operative connection between the pedal 3 and the pivoting lid 2. A frame 31 for hanging waste bags is provided in the upper edge area of ​​the container body 1. The frame 31 consists of a front 32 and a rear frame part 33, which are inserted into one another and can be moved relative to each other in a locking manner in order to change the circumference of the frame by pulling the frame parts 32 and 33 apart or pushing them together.A trough-shaped insert element 26 for insertion into the container body 1 and for covering the lever mechanism 13 is 26 removable in the container body 1 and can optionally be inserted in the container body 1 in reverse orientation to reduce the usable volume of the waste container.