Receptacle Flange Extension for Liner Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hinged lid receptacles require the removal of the lid or separate retainer collars to change flexible liners, making the process time-consuming, especially in facilities with many receptacles.

Innovation Solution

A receptacle design with a flange extension that integrates into the receptacle body, allowing the flexible liner to be retained above the hinge without removing the lid, using trunnions and a recessed lid attachment for stability and ease of liner replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hinged lid is added to the receptacle, then the receptacle can be closed to protect contents, but the flexible liner cannot be retained by the flange because the lid interrupts the opening perimeter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner retentionVSAvoidreceptacle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is segmented into a main body portion and a separate extension portion. The extension portion specifically addresses the hinge area by extending downward to form a channel that accommodates the liner above the hinge, while the main flange body maintains its original function of retaining the liner at the opening perimeter. This segmentation allows the lid to be attached without compromising liner retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange extension acts as an intermediary structure between the lid hinge and the flexible liner. It provides a transition zone that allows the liner to extend above the hinge while still being retained by the flange channel, effectively mediating the conflict between lid attachment and liner retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate retainer collar or insert is added to retain the liner, then the liner can be retained with a hinged lid, but the receptacle structure becomes more complex and requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner retentionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange extension is integrally attached to the receptacle body, merging the liner retention function with the existing flange structure. This eliminates the need for separate retainer collars or inserts, as the extended flange itself provides the necessary retention capability for liners above the hinge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the main flange body retains the liner at the opening perimeter, while the extension portion retains the liner above the hinge. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the liner is slit to extend around the lid hinges, then the liner can be retained with a hinged lid, but the liner becomes more complex and difficult to replace

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner retentionVSAvoidliner replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the liner by slitting it to extend around hinges, the invention inverts the approach by modifying the receptacle structure (adding the flange extension) to accommodate the intact liner. This allows the liner to maintain its simple, intact configuration while still being retained above the hinge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex modification is extracted from the liner and placed into the receptacle structure. Rather than altering the liner with slits, the flange extension is added to the receptacle body to provide the necessary retention function, keeping the liner simple and easy to replace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the lid is removed to change the flexible liner, then the liner can be easily replaced, but the process becomes time-consuming in facilities with many receptacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner replacementVSAvoidtime for liner changeout

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flange extension is pre-configured in the receptacle body to accommodate the liner above the hinge before the liner is installed. This preliminary structural preparation allows the liner to be retained without requiring lid removal, enabling quick liner changes by simply pulling the liner out from beneath the flange extension and inserting a new one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9499337B2Receptacle configured for liner replacement without lid removal

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 T M FITZGERALD & ASSOC

AI summary

A receptacle having a lid coupled to a receptacle body by a hinge is configured for the replacement of a flexible liner without removal of the lid. A flange extension is configured at an offset distance to the hinge and enables the perimeter of the flexible liner to be retained in a liner retainer and extend up and over the hinge and into a flange extension on the opposing side of the hinge. This configuration holds the perimeter of the flexible liner taut and ensures that it remains in place as contents are placed in the receptacle. A pair of trunnion hinges may extend in opposing directions from the receptacle body to provide a detachable attachment of a lid. A flange extension may extend substantially around the liner retainer portion or only a certain distance from the end of a hinge.