Releasable Lid Strap for Trash Cans During Mechanical Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trash cans are prone to spilling or having their lids blown open during transport to the curb or while being emptied into a garbage truck due to mechanical inversion, leading to waste spillage on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A trash can with a releasable strap system comprising a lid portion and a housing portion, secured by hook and loop fasteners, which maintains the lid closed during transport and opens upon the weight of the garbage being inverted into a garbage truck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is locked in place to prevent opening, then the lid cannot open during mechanical inversion, but this prevents the lid from opening once inverted
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system transitions from a bound state during transport to a released state during inversion. The elastic strap maintains tension to secure the lid during transport, then releases automatically when the can is inverted, allowing the lid to open without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic strap automatically releases the lid when the can is inverted, eliminating the need for manual lid opening during the emptying process. The system self-regulates based on the inversion action.
2Reliability
If the lid is secured during transport, then trash spillage is prevented, but the lid cannot open when needed for emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system dynamically adapts its function based on the can's state. During transport, the elastic strap maintains tension to secure the lid and prevent spillage. During inversion, the strap releases automatically, allowing the lid to open and enabling efficient emptying without manual intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a secure lid fastening system is used, then lid stability is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic strap acts as a flexible element that provides secure lid fastening through tension. The strap's elasticity allows it to maintain constant tension on the lid during transport while automatically releasing when the can is inverted, providing both stability and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap's elastic properties allow it to change its mechanical state based on the can's orientation. During normal position, the strap maintains tension to secure the lid. During inversion, the gravitational force changes the strap's tension state, automatically causing it to release and open the lid.
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
Prevents accidental spillage of trash by keeping the lid closed until the can is fully inverted, ensuring waste remains contained during collection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic strap extending between the lid and the main container
Implementation Method 2
The strap first includes an elastic strap having a first strap portion and a second strap portion, the first strap portion having a first hook and loop type fastener and the second strap portion having a second hook and loop type fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A trash can includes a main container and a lid pivotally coupled to the main container through a lid hinge. The trash can includes an elastic, releasable lid strap extending between the lid and the main container. The lid strap includes a strap lid portion that is releasably coupled to a strap housing portion. The strap lid portion has a first strap fastener in the form of a first hook and loop type fastener. The strap housing portion a second hook and loop type fastener. The first hook and loop type fastener is configured to releasably mate with or be coupled to the second hook and loop type fastener for a release or shearing between the first and second hook and loop type fasteners upon a select pulling or releasing.