Trash Can Lid with Concealing Collar Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trash cans with visible interior liners are aesthetically unpleasing due to the visibility of the liner's upper portion when the lid is closed, making them appear untidy and unsightly in household and commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A lid design with an extended collar that fits concentrically around the trash can, extending beyond the upper rim to conceal the interior liner and the trash can's exterior surface, providing a clean and tidy appearance while allowing adjustable access through mechanical or electromechanical means, including an infrared sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a standard lid is used to cover the trash can opening, then the trash can is functional for waste disposal, but the upper portion of the interior liner remains visible on the exterior, creating an untidy appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a flat lid portion for covering the opening and a collar portion extending downward to conceal the liner. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid design extends into a new dimension by adding the collar that hangs down the exterior of the trash can body. This vertical extension below the opening plane allows the lid to conceal the liner without interfering with the opening function, thus improving appearance without adding complex mechanisms.
2Shape
If the lid is designed to extend beyond the opening to conceal the liner, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the lid may interfere with access to the interior of the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be movable relative to the trash can body, allowing it to be lifted or removed when interior access is needed. This dynamic capability ensures that while the lid provides aesthetic concealment when closed, it does not permanently obstruct access to the interior, thus resolving the contradiction between appearance and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a simple lid is used, then the device complexity is low, but the interior liner and trash can surface remain visible, reducing aesthetic quality
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a flat lid portion for covering the opening and a collar portion extending downward to conceal the liner. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure serves multiple functions: the flat portion covers the opening for waste disposal, while the collar portion conceals the liner and trash can surface for aesthetic purposes. This multi-functionality achieves improved appearance without requiring entirely separate systems, thus maintaining reasonable complexity.
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 lid effectively conceals the interior liner and trash can surface, enhancing the appearance of trash cans by hiding the liner's overhang and allowing easy access through adjustable mechanisms, improving both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the electromechanical device includes an infrared sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the invention is to provide an improved lid for covering a trash can or other waste receptacle with a removable interior liner. The lid includes a collar which fits concentrically around at least a portion of an exterior surface of a body of the waste receptacle. The collar extends the length or diameter and depth of the lid such that when positioned over the opening of the trash can, the lid conceals at least a portion of the exterior surface of the body of the waste receptacle and at least a portion of the removable interior liner from exterior view. The invention may or may not use ribs within the interior frame of the lid to allow proper positioning of the lid over the opening of the trash can body.