Scissors Mechanism Trash Compactor for High-Density Waste

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inefficiency in filling and emptying trash bins due to airy waste packed in bags, leading to suboptimal compaction and increased waste treatment costs, along with issues of odor and vermin infestation.

Innovation Solution

A compact and efficient trash compactor system integrated with a scissors mechanism, utilizing a pivot shaft and lever arm mechanism, which is easy to use and supports a robust pusher to compact waste effectively, while being lightweight and adaptable for various bin sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a traditional trash bin is used without compaction, then the bin is easy to use and empty, but the filling ratio is low and waste treatment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling ratioVSAvoidcompactor mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compactor mechanism is divided into modular components: a scissors system with separate arms, a pusher element, and a pivot shaft assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex motorized compression system, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple manual pivot shaft that converts rotational motion into linear pusher movement through the scissors mechanism, achieving compaction with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Force

If a large scissors mechanism is used for compaction, then compaction force is sufficient, but the mechanism becomes too large for normal trash bin covers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompaction forceVSAvoidscissors mechanism volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The scissors arms are designed to nest within each other when retracted, allowing the mechanism to occupy minimal space on the bin cover while still providing sufficient stroke length and compaction force when activated. The pusher element also retracts into the scissors mechanism housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The scissors mechanism utilizes vertical space and angular movement rather than horizontal expansion, allowing sufficient compaction force to be generated through rotational motion at the pivot shaft rather than through linear extension of large components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If plastic materials are used for the cover and scissors mechanism, then manufacturing is simple, but the mechanism lacks strength and durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmechanism strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism employs composite construction with metal components (pivot shaft, scissors arms, pusher) providing structural strength and durability, while plastic materials are used for the cover and non-critical components to maintain ease of manufacture and corrosion resistance. This composite approach optimizes both strength and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If a manual pivot shaft mechanism is used, then the device is easy to operate, but the compaction speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcompaction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot shaft mechanism is designed for rapid periodic operation, where the user can quickly rotate the shaft back and forth to activate the scissors mechanism. The mechanical design allows for fast cycling between compressed and uncompressed states, maintaining ease of operation while improving compaction speed through efficient mechanical leverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Significantly increases the filling ratio of trash bins, reduces waste treatment costs, and minimizes odor and vermin issues by ensuring efficient compaction and easy emptying without obstructing the filling process.

Implementation Method 1

a lever arm for operating the scissors system by turning the pivot shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

equipment for operating the scissors system and compacting waste while the trash compactor is connected to the cover wherein the equipment includes a pivot shaft, which is connected to an arm included in the scissors system with a lever arm for operating the scissors system by turning the pivot shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3424842B1Trash compactor and trash bin equipped with a trash compactor

Publication Date: 2021.08.04 ENERCET OY

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention is related to a trash compactor including a scissors system (12) to be connected to the cover (10) included in the trash bin (11). Furthermore, the trash compactor includes a pusher (13) connected to the scissors system (12) and equipment (14) for operating the scissors system (12) and compacting waste while the trash compactor is connected to the cover (10). The equipment (14) includes a pivot shaft (15), which is connected to an arm (17, 18) included in the scissors system (12) with a lever arm (16) for operating the scissors system by turning the pivot shaft (15). The invention also relates to a trash bin equipped with a trash compactor.