Trash Can Assembly with Active Dislodgement System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacles with lids, such as trash cans, often shift or move when opened or closed, causing them to become lodged in surrounding environments, preventing return to their original position.
Innovation Solution
A trash can assembly with an active dislodgement or return system, featuring a dynamic member and a static member, which includes a pedal and linkage system, allows the receptacle to automatically return to its original position by transitioning a foot between extended and retracted positions, using a biasing member to apply a counteracting force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is actuated to open or close, then the lid transitions between positions, but the receptacle shifts or moves and becomes lodged in the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The dislodgement system applies a counteracting force in advance to prevent the receptacle from becoming lodged. The foot member is positioned to engage the floor and apply a force that opposes the shifting motion that occurs during lid actuation, thereby preventing the receptacle from moving into a lodged position in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The foot member is extended before lid actuation occurs and engages the floor to establish a stable base. This preliminary positioning of the foot member ensures that when the lid is actuated, the receptacle has already been anchored in place and can resist the forces that would otherwise cause it to shift and become lodged
2Stability of the object's composition
If the receptacle is prevented from moving during lid actuation, then position stability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The foot member serves multiple functions: it acts as a support element that engages the floor to prevent shifting during lid actuation, and it also serves as an active dislodgement mechanism that can apply force to return the receptacle to its proper position if it becomes lodged. By combining these functions into a single component, the system achieves position stability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dislodgement system is designed to automatically return the receptacle to its proper position without requiring external intervention. The foot member self-actuates through the biasing member to apply the necessary force for dislodgement, making the system self-servicing and reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms
3Reliability
If a dislodgement system is added to return the receptacle to original position, then position recovery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot member is designed to be movable between an extended position (for engaging the floor and providing dislodgement force) and a retracted position (for avoiding interference with lid actuation). This dynamic configuration allows the dislodgement function to be activated only when needed, while maintaining a compact form factor when the function is not in use, thereby improving position recovery without permanently increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The foot member operates in a periodic cycle: it extends to engage the floor and provide dislodgement force when the receptacle becomes lodged, then retracts to avoid interference with normal lid actuation operations. This periodic engagement and disengagement allows the system to provide reliable position recovery while maintaining simplicity during normal operation
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 system effectively dislodges the trash can from a lodged position and returns it to its original alignment, enhancing usability and preventing permanent lodging against walls or cabinets.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member applying a force on the foot to urge the foot into the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
Various trash can assembly embodiments are disclosed. The trash can assembly can include a body, a lid, an actuation system, and an active dislodgement or return system. The active dislodgement or return system can be configured to facilitate dislodging the trash can assembly from a surrounding environment, such as a wall. The active dislodgement or return system can include a dynamic member having a frame, a foot movably coupled to the frame, and a spring applying a force on the foot. When an actuation force is removed from the actuation system, the dynamic member can apply a force against the surrounding environment, such as a floor, to move the body relative to the surrounding environment.