Refuse Container Lid Opener Using Face-Mounted Cable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid opening devices for waste containers, particularly those with tie rods connecting the pedal to the cover, suffer from clutter in handling areas, exposure to damage, and loss of storage volume due to the placement of tie rods on lateral faces and the need for additional protection mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A lid opening device using a force transmission cable arranged on the same face as the pedal, allowing for flexible placement without obstructing the container's volume and reducing clutter, with optional features like actuation bars and connecting members to enhance functionality and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tie rods are placed on lateral faces of the container to transmit force from the pedal to the lid, then the lid opening function is achieved, but the lateral faces become cluttered and interfere with emptying hatch operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid opening functionVSAvoidclutter in handling areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force transmission element is moved from the lateral dimension (side faces) to the vertical dimension (same face as pedal), eliminating interference with lateral emptying operations while maintaining force transmission functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If tie rods are placed outside the container to protect them from damage, then they are protected against impacts, but they occupy external space and require additional protection devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidmultiplication of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force transmission element is integrated within the container structure itself, merging the function of force transmission with the container body, thereby eliminating the need for separate external protection devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If tie rods are placed inside the container to protect them from damage, then they are protected against impacts, but waste blocks their movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidlid opening function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The force transmission path is routed along the external surface of the container rather than through the internal waste volume, allowing the element to remain protected while maintaining unobstructed movement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If tie rods are placed inside the container, then they are protected from external impacts, but waste storage volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidwaste storage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The force transmission element is extracted from the internal waste storage space and positioned on the external surface of the container, thereby preserving the full waste storage volume while maintaining structural protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 more compact, less prone to damage, and efficient lid opening mechanism that maintains waste storage volume by using a flexible cable for force transmission, allowing for easier installation and operation while avoiding blockages and damage.

Implementation Method 1

at least one force transmission cable connecting the lid opening pedal to the lid, the lid opening device being configured so that actuation of the lid opening pedal causes the lid to open by pulling the force transmission cable on the lid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4480855A1Lid opener for refuse containers
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SULO FRANCE
  • EP4480855A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4480855A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4480855A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a voluntary drop-off container (2) for waste comprising a main body (6) forming a waste collection volume, at least one opening for introducing waste into the voluntary drop-off container (2) and a rotating movable lid (3) closing the waste introduction opening, the container (2) comprising a lid opening device (4) including: - a lid opening pedal (8) disposed on a face of the main body (6) and movable between a rest position and an activation position, - at least one force transmission cable (12) connecting the pedal to the lid (3), the lid opening device (4) being configured so that an actuation of the pedal (8) causes the lid (3) to open, the force transmission cable (12) being disposed on the same face of the main body (6) as the lid opening pedal (8).