Trash Can Actuator with Rotational Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trash cans with lids or doors often require manual handling for opening and closing, which can be inconvenient and may not effectively prevent odor escape or contamination, especially in settings where hands are not available for operation.
Innovation Solution
A trash can design featuring a lid that is rotationally connected to a peripheral portion with an actuator extending outwardly, allowing the lid to transition between open and closed configurations via an input force applied at an effective angle, and includes a locking mechanism that secures the lid in the closed position until the force is applied, facilitating hands-free operation and odor containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lid with latching mechanism is used to secure the trash can, then odor containment and contamination prevention are improved, but manual handling for opening and closing becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The trash can lid system uses a self-service mechanism where the actuator automatically engages and disengages the locking member through rotational movement. When the actuator rotates between open and closed positions, it automatically releases or secures the lid without requiring manual intervention to operate the latch, allowing the system to serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The lid system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic operational state through the actuator's rotational movement. The locking member can engage and disengage dynamically based on the actuator's position, allowing the lid to be securely locked during storage and easily accessible during operation
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the lid in closed position, then odor escape prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the actuator assembly itself. The locking member is integrated into the actuator structure, and the securing portion is incorporated into the lid's engagement features. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into unified components rather than adding separate locking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the actuator and the lid. It provides the necessary securing function through a simple engagement interface between the locking member and securing portion, mediating the connection without requiring complex mechanical systems
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 design enables easy, hands-free opening and closing of the trash can, reducing odor escape and contamination risks while allowing for smooth transitions between configurations, minimizing noise and reverberation during closure.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can be rotationally biased toward the closed position with a biasing member
Implementation Method 2
The locking member comprises a flange with a sloped upper edge configured to deflect the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of a trash can include a cap with a lid and an actuator. The actuator can extend outwardly from the cap at a downward angle. The actuator can be configured to maintain the lid in a closed position when a locking portion of the actuator is engaged with a securement portion of the lid. The lid can be rotationally biased toward an open position and the actuator can be configured to release the lid from the closed position upon an input of force on the actuator. The range of effective angles for the input force can enable a user of the trash can to easily open the lid by contacting the actuator with from a wide variety of angles.