Interchangeable Refuse Container Assembly with Reversible Support Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse containers are typically unitary structures that cannot be easily modified in shape after fabrication, making it impractical to change their appearance to match different events or venues, and they require significant storage space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly comprising a support structure with elongated tubes that reversibly fit into channels on a container, allowing for easy interchange of container shapes and reducing storage needs, while maintaining equivalent or improved physical properties such as impact resistance and volume capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unitary container structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different events and venues is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into two independent segments: a reusable support structure and interchangeable container bodies. The support structure contains elongated tubes that can reversibly receive different container shapes, allowing the same base structure to adapt to various events while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of container bodies through its elongated tube system. This multi-functional design allows a single support structure to serve various events by simply changing the container body, eliminating the need to manufacture different support structures for different occasions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different shaped containers are manufactured for different events, then adaptability is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the container system into a permanent support structure and removable container bodies, the design allows container bodies to be stored separately when not in use. Only one container body needs to be stored at a time, significantly reducing storage space requirements compared to keeping multiple complete container assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The container body nests within the support structure during use, with the container's elongated portions fitting into the support's elongated tubes. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage of the container body within or near the support structure when not actively being used for a specific event.
3Adaptability or versatility
If container shapes are modified after fabrication, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the structural support function (handled by the permanently fabricated support structure with optimized strength) from the shape/aesthetic function (handled by interchangeable container bodies). This allows shape changes through component replacement rather than modification, preserving the structural integrity of the support structure while achieving adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lift members are integrated into container sidewalls, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to different shapes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is merged into the support structure through elongated tubes that can reversibly receive lift members. This integration occurs at the structural level rather than in the container sidewalls, allowing different container shapes to be used while maintaining consistent lifting capability through the unified support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container assembly (1) that includes a support structure (11) and a container (14) that resides reversibly within the support structure interior (62). The support structure (11) includes a pair of opposed first and second support sidewalls (26, 29) each having an elongated tube (32, 44) having a first open end (38, 50) and an elongated hollow interior (35, 47). The container (14) has opposing sidewalls (77, 80) that each have an elongated channel (104, 110). The first and second elongated tubes (32, 44) of the support structure (11) are each reversibly received within the first and second elongated sidewall channels (104, 110) of the container (14), as the container is reversibly introduced (e.g., slid) into the support structure interior (62) through the open forward portion (65) of the support structure (11). The container assembly (1) may be reversibly lifted by lift members (e.g., lift forks 119, 122) introduced through the first open ends (38, 50) and into the elongated hollow interiors (35, 47) of the first and second elongated tubes (32, 44) of the support structure (11). At least a portion of the container (e.g., upper container portion 125′) may have a three dimensional shape corresponding to an activity being conducted in the venue in which the container assembly is used, such as, a protective sports helmet shape (e.g., a hockey helmet shape) or a sports ball shape (e.g., a soccer ball shape).