Waste Container Latch with Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waste containers often attract animals, and existing lids are not effective in preventing access, while also risking damage during collection when lifted with contents still inside.
Innovation Solution
A waste container design featuring a hingeably secured lid with a rotatable latch assembly and an outer rib to prevent animals from prying under the lid, combined with indicators for locked and unlocked positions to ensure safe handling by collection trucks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lid is added to the waste container to prevent animal access, then animal protection is improved, but the risk of damage during collection increases when the container is lifted and dumped while latched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (flags or color-coded elements) that provide feedback about the latch state to collection truck operators. When the lid is latched, a red flag or indicator is visible, warning operators not to lift the container. When unlatched, a green flag or indicator shows it is safe to collect. This feedback mechanism prevents damage while maintaining the protective lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the latch mechanism and the collection operator. The visual indicator system acts as a mediator that translates the mechanical latch state into easily observable signals, preventing miscommunication and accidental lifting of latched containers.
2Device complexity
If a simple lid is used on the waste container, then device complexity is reduced, but animal protection capability deteriorates as animals can pry under the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protection system into separate functional components: a simple hingeable lid for basic closure, a latch mechanism for secure fastening, and visual indicators for communication. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without overcomplicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be engaged before collection, creating a preliminary secure state that prevents animal access. The visual indicators are set in advance to communicate this secure state to collection operators, ensuring proper handling before the container is moved.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the lid, then animal protection is improved, but device complexity increases and the risk of damage during collection increases without proper indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the latch mechanism is merged with visual indicator elements, and the indicator system is merged with the container structure. This merging reduces overall complexity by eliminating separate communication devices while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator system serves multiple functions: it communicates latch state to operators, provides visual feedback to users about proper latching, and acts as part of the latch mechanism structure itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device.
Data Source
AI summary
A waste container includes a body having a base and a side wall extending upward from the base to define a container interior. A lid is hingeably secured to an upper portion of the side wall. A latch assembly selectively secures the lid to the side wall, the latch assembly including a rotatable latch portion having a latch member selectively interlocking with a hook portion.