Roll-off Container Lock Cover and Interlock Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Roll-off containers with disallowed contents are often hauled to disposal facilities, incurring unnecessary expenses and penalties due to contamination, as existing systems fail to prevent unauthorized hauling.

Innovation Solution

A lock system comprising a cover that obstructs the hook of a roll-off container, secured with an interlock such as a deadbolt hitch lock or security seal, which can only be removed by an authorized driver after inspecting and verifying the contents are acceptable for hauling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lock system with cover and interlock is installed on the roll-off container hook, then the reliability of preventing unauthorized hauling of contaminated containers is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unauthorized haulingVSAvoidlock system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock system is divided into separate functional components: a cover element that obstructs the hook, an interlock mechanism with bolt and receptacle, and an authorization system with keys or manifests. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover and interlock are installed on the container before hauling, and contents are inspected before the interlock is released. This preliminary action ensures that contaminated containers are identified and prevented from being hauled in the first place, improving reliability through preventive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If an interlock mechanism is used to secure the cover, then the reliability of preventing unauthorized access is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of coverVSAvoidremoval of interlock
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

An authorized driver acts as an intermediary who possesses the key or manifest required to operate the interlock. This intermediary system maintains security by ensuring only authorized personnel can remove the interlock, while still allowing legitimate operations to proceed smoothly when proper authorization is presented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interlock system is designed to be self-verifying through the use of keys or manifests that automatically validate authorization. The driver simply needs to present the key or manifest identifier, and the system self-verifies authenticity, eliminating the need for complex manual verification procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If inspection of container contents is required before hauling, then the purity of transported materials is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent approval verificationVSAvoidinspection duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Container contents are inspected and verified before the interlock is released and before the container is attached to the hauler. This preliminary inspection ensures that only approved contents are transported, preventing costly penalties from contaminated material while establishing a clear procedural timeline that minimizes delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses manifests with identifiers that provide feedback verification - the manifest serves as pre-approved documentation that confirms contents are suitable for hauling. This feedback mechanism allows rapid verification without requiring time-consuming on-site inspection of every container, as the manifest already contains the necessary approval information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12123224B1Lock for roll off container
Publication Date: 2024.10.22 KINCARD ROBERT JEFFREY
  • US12123224B1 patent drawing
  • US12123224B1 patent drawing
  • US12123224B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The lock for roll off container comprises a cover that May obstruct a hook of a roll off container. The cover, in conjunction with an interlock, may be adapted to prevent a roll-off truck from attaching a winch cable to the hook of the roll off container and thereafter hauling the roll off container. The lock for roll off container may preclude expenses that may be incurred if the roll off container containing disallowed content is hauled to a landfill or other disposal facility. The cover may be adapted to be removed by an authorized driver after the contents of the roll off container are inspected for any disallowed content and approved for hauling.