Refuse Receptacle Lock Device with Rotary Knob

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garbage can designs with a second lid to prevent oversized objects from being placed inside lack effective and easy-to-use locking mechanisms that can be securely locked and unlocked with minimal user effort, particularly for larger volume garbage cans.

Innovation Solution

A lock device with a rotary knob connected to a driver within the housing, which pivots a swivel hook to lock and unlock the second lid, allowing it to be opened and closed with one hand, and featuring a design that automatically locks and unlocks without manual intervention, using a combination of springs and lever mechanisms to secure the lid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second lid is added to prevent oversized objects from being placed in the garbage can, then security against unauthorized disposal is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized disposalVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into modular components: a swivel hook element, a lever with projection, and a driver with contour. Each component performs a specific function and can be manufactured independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock device automatically locks when the second lid is closed and automatically unlocks when the first lid is opened. The spring-loaded swivel hook and lever mechanism provide self-locking and self-unlocking functionality without requiring manual intervention, simplifying user operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a manual locking mechanism is used for the second lid, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of second lidVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock device automatically locks when the second lid is closed and automatically unlocks when the first lid is opened. The spring-loaded swivel hook and lever mechanism provide self-locking and self-unlocking functionality without requiring manual intervention, simplifying user operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel hook is pre-positioned in a locked state by the spring force, ready to engage with the first lid. The lever projection is pre-aligned to engage with the driver contour, ensuring immediate locking action as soon as the lid is closed, without requiring additional user steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent unauthorized opening, then security is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unauthorized openingVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into modular components: a swivel hook element, a lever with projection, and a driver with contour. Each component performs a specific function and can be manufactured independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock device uses uniform spring-loaded elements and simple geometric shapes (hooks, levers, contours) that can be manufactured using standard stamping and forming processes. The consistent use of spring-based actuation across components simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the need for specialized machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

4Ease of operation

If automatic locking is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic locking and unlockingVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock device automatically locks when the second lid is closed and automatically unlocks when the first lid is opened. The spring-loaded swivel hook and lever mechanism provide self-locking and self-unlocking functionality without requiring manual intervention, simplifying user operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel hook and lever are designed as dynamic elements that automatically transition between locked and unlocked states based on the position of the lids. The spring force provides continuous actuation, allowing the mechanism to adapt its state automatically in response to lid movement without requiring additional sensors or control systems.

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

The solution provides secure and easy operation of the second lid, preventing unauthorized access while allowing authorized users to easily open and close it, even with one hand, reducing the risk of incorrect operation and eliminating the need for manual locking after use.

Implementation Method 1

a swivel hook (8) held in the closed position by the force of a first spring (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the rotary knob (12) together with the driver (13) is pivoted back into the closed position by the force of the second spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

counteracting this lever (15) the force of a third spring (200) pivots about an axis in the direction of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4001171B1Refuse receptacle with a lock device
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 SUDHAUS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4001171B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001171B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001171B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a waste container (1) for receiving waste such as household waste, comprising at least a receiving container (2) which has a container opening on its upper side facing away from the level of installation, which can be completely closed or sealed by a pivotably arranged first lid (3), wherein the first lid (3) can be pivoted between a closed position closing the container opening and an open position releasing the container opening and back to the closed position, wherein the first lid (3) has a recess (4) which can be completely covered or sealed by a second lid (5), wherein the second lid (5) can be pivoted or sealed between an open position releasing the recess (4) and a position covering the recess (4).