Step-on Trash Can Lid Mechanism with Dual-Mode Ejector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trash cans with step-on lids are inconvenient when the step-on drive structure fails, as the lid must be opened manually, which can be difficult due to its internal closure mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A step-on and hand-pressed trash can design that incorporates a swing arm mechanism and a transmission mechanism with a push rod and ejector, allowing the lid to be opened by either stepping on a foot pedal or pressing the lid, ensuring convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the lid is closed on the inner side of the opening for aesthetic purposes, then the appearance is improved, but the ease of manual opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector acts as an intermediary mechanism between the push rod and the lid. When the push rod is pressed, it activates the ejector to push the lid open, providing a mechanical intermediary that bridges the gap between the closed aesthetic position and the need for easy manual opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid opening mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the push rod and ejector system. Pressing the push rod automatically triggers the ejector to open the lid, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation despite the closed position.
2Ease of operation
If a step-on drive structure is used to open the lid, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the structure fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows changing the operational parameter from foot-pedal activation to hand-pressure activation on the push rod. This parameter change provides an alternative failure mode that maintains ease of operation while improving reliability through dual-mode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static step-on drive to a dynamic dual-mode drive system. The swing arm mechanism and ejector system can be activated either through foot pressure on the pedal or through hand pressure on the push rod, providing dynamic adaptability to different user needs and failure conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to open automatically through the swing arm mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides automatic lid opening when the pedal is pressed, and it also responds to direct hand pressure on the push rod. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both automatic and manual operation modes through a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the step-on drive mechanism and the hand-pressed drive mechanism into a single integrated system. The swing arm mechanism, push rod, and ejector work together as a unified system that can be activated in two ways, combining what could have been separate mechanisms into one cohesive unit.
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 the lid to be conveniently opened in both step-on and hand-pressed modes, enhancing practicability and convenience while ensuring smooth operation and prolonged service life.
Implementation Method 1
a swing arm mechanism having one end articulated with the lid, and the other end articulated with the can body
Implementation Method 2
The second swing arm has a greater length than the third swing arm in a horizontal direction
Implementation Method 3
the ejector then lifts the supporting part to open the lid
Implementation Method 4
the ejector is restored to close the lid
Implementation Method 5
the supporting part presses the ejector under the drive of the swing arm mechanism and the push rod
Data Source
AI summary
A step-on and hand-pressed trash can, including: a main body, including a lid and a can body; a swing arm mechanism having one end articulated with the lid and the other end articulated with the can body; and a transmission mechanism, including a push rod and an ejector, one end of the push rod being articulated with the swing arm mechanism, and the push rod being provided with a supporting part abutting against a movable end of the ejector.