Slidable Lock Mechanism for Trash Can Lid Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trash cans lack a mechanism to securely lock their lids, posing risks when holding dangerous or pungent waste, especially in households with children or pets, as the lid can be inadvertently opened.

Innovation Solution

A trash can assembly featuring a slidable lock member on the lid that engages with the shell to prevent the lid from being opened, allowing users to lock and unlock the lid for safety and hygiene purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a foot pedal mechanism is added to enable hands-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent opening increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidaccidental opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state through foot pedal activation, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining controlled movement through hinges and linkage mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the lid is made easily removable for liner changes, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid system is divided into functional segments: the lid itself for easy removal during normal operation, and a separate lockable cover that provides security when closed, allowing different operational modes for different needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a lock mechanism is added to prevent lid opening, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized accessVSAvoidlocking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, with the user simply placing the lid in the closed position where it automatically engages the locking feature, eliminating the need for separate locking actions or complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7950543B2Trash can assembly with locking lid

Publication Date: 2011.05.31 SIMPLEHUMAN LLC

AI summary

A trash can assembly has a shell and a lid fitted over the top end of the shell. The lid has a slidable lock member that is removably engaged to a portion of the shell to prevent the lid from being opened.