Trash Can Stabilizer With Flexible Arms for Adaptable Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trash can stabilizers are often cumbersome, difficult to use, and lack adjustability, making it hard to securely hold trash cans upright against external forces and maintain lid closure, especially in varying weather conditions and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A trash can stabilizer with flexible arms and adjustable support bars that can be mounted on surfaces or the ground, featuring arcuate ends for easy insertion and secure holding, along with optional loops for securing the lid with ropes or cords, allowing for tension-based stabilization and adaptability to different can sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plurality of separate parts are used to construct the stabilizer, then the stabilizer can be assembled to hold the trash can, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate parts (base, support bar, and arm into a single integrated stabilizer unit that is formed as one piece. This eliminates the need for welding or securing separate components together, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the stabilizing function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stabilizer is constructed with fixed dimensions, then it can be manufactured simply, but it cannot adapt to trash cans of different sizes and heights
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer incorporates an adjustable support bar that can be positioned at different heights along the arm, allowing the device to adapt to trash cans of varying sizes and heights. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a simple mechanism that maintains manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer allows for parameter changes in the position of the support bar relative to the arm, enabling adaptation to different trash can dimensions. This is accomplished through adjustable positioning features that do not significantly complicate the manufacturing process.
3Strength
If the arms are rigid, then the structure is strong, but it is difficult to insert and remove trash cans
Solution Approach 1:
The arm of the stabilizer is constructed with flexible properties, allowing it to bend outward during insertion and return to its original position to secure the trash can. This flexibility facilitates easy insertion and removal while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the arm's material and cross-sectional design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the stabilizer is mounted high to clear sidewalks, then it avoids obstruction, but it becomes less stable against tipping forces
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer base is designed with horizontal extension in the lateral dimension, spreading the support footprint wider to increase stability. This allows the vertical mounting height to be optimized for clearing sidewalks while the horizontal base distribution provides sufficient resistance to tipping forces.
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 stabilizer effectively keeps trash cans upright and secure, even in adverse conditions, while being easy to install and adaptable to various can shapes and sizes, with the tension created by the flexible arms ensuring the can remains stable and the lid is securely closed.
Implementation Method 1
the arms include built-in portions that create increased tension on the trash can, so that the can be easily received in the support arms
Implementation Method 2
the tension created by the flexible arms ensuring the can remains stable
Data Source
AI summary
A trash can stabilizer which can be mounted on the ground and includes flexible arms on a fixed vertical support. The support includes a base leg composed of at least two flat plates adapted to be slid along a track built on the base leg; an adjustable back plate; and at least two support bars in direct communication with the base leg and the back plate. The stabilizer includes at least two arcuate shaped flexible arms adapted to effectively hold and stabilize a trash can or the like wherein the arcuate shaped flexible arms are in direct communication with and extending horizontally from the back plate and wherein the flexible arm can conform to any shape or size of a trash can or the like such that the flexible arm can securely keep the trash can in place and thereby stabilize the trash from tipping or being knocked over.