Pivoting Lid Waste Container with Tortuous Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of medical waste, particularly items with sharp edges or pointed tips like syringes, poses a risk to medical staff and patients due to accidental or intentional access, necessitating a safe storage solution that limits access during disposal and storage.
Innovation Solution
A waste container assembly featuring a receptacle with two pivoting members that rotate concurrently to dispose waste into the receptacle, providing a tortuous path and secure locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring safe storage and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple open container is used for waste disposal, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to pivot between an open position for waste disposal and a closed position for secure storage. The dynamic movement allows the system to transition between ease of operation (open) and safety (closed), resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage when the lid is closed, providing immediate security without requiring additional user action. This preliminary locking action ensures safety is maintained as soon as the waste disposal action is completed
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then safety against intentional access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the lid structure itself, using the lid's weight and positioning to trigger the lock engagement. This integration reduces the need for separate, complex locking components while maintaining security functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates automatically through the lid's own movement and weight, without requiring external power sources, electronic controls, or additional user actions. The system self-locks when closed and can be self-unlocked through the designated release mechanism, minimizing added complexity
3Ease of operation
If the lid remains open for easy disposal, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental contact with waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid dynamically transitions from open to closed position during the waste disposal process, creating a tortuous path that guides waste into the container while limiting exposure. The movement is controlled to ensure waste is deposited safely without creating splashing or exposure hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting lid acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the waste container interior. It mediates the waste disposal process by controlling the opening, guiding waste entry, and then closing to isolate the waste, thereby reducing accidental contact risk
Data Source
AI summary
A container for disposing of waste includes a receptacle, a first pivoting member having a first disposal surface and a first pair of opposing sides, and a second pivoting member having a second disposal surface and a second pair of opposing sides. The second pair of opposing sides are operatively coupled to the first pair of opposing sides such that waste deposited on either the first disposal surface or the second disposal surface causes concurrent counter rotation of both the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member. The first pivoting member includes a pair of opposing projections secured in a stationary position to the first pair of opposing sides and the second pivoting member includes a pair of opposing apertures formed in a stationary position in the second pair of opposing sides. The opposing projections translate within the opposing apertures during the concurrent counter rotation.