Waste Container Lid Linkage for Friction-Free Drawer Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubbish container systems face challenges in automatically opening and closing lids without creating excess friction, requiring manual intervention, and accumulating dirt on sliding mechanisms, which complicates cleaning and poses hygiene hazards.
Innovation Solution
A container apparatus with a lid moving mechanism that slides between positions to avoid contact with the container when opening, using a parallelogram linkage and actuation system to automatically lift the lid, and a collar design that fits between runners to inhibit dirt accumulation and facilitate easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is connected to the container to automatically close when the drawer is closed, then the lid can reduce odours and keep pests out, but the lid creates excess friction with the container when the drawer is slid open
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is detached from the container and repositioned to the mounting means above the container opening. When the drawer opens, the lid moves vertically upward along the connecting means, changing its spatial dimension from horizontal contact to vertical separation, thereby eliminating friction while maintaining the automatic closing function through gravitational force.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lid and the container system. It allows the lid to be automatically positioned over the container opening when the drawer closes, while preventing direct contact and friction during the opening motion through its linkage structure.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is manually removed from the container to place waste, then waste can be placed in the container, but manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system transitions from a static manual removal operation to a dynamic automatic operation. The connecting means with its linkage mechanism automatically positions the lid over the container opening when the drawer closes, and the lid can be easily detached when needed, providing both automation and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid system serves itself by automatically positioning over the container opening through the connecting means when the drawer closes, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The design allows the system to self-regulate the lid position based on drawer movement without requiring user action.
3Ease of operation
If the sliding mechanism framework is exposed for drawer operation, then the drawer can be accessed, but dirt accumulates on the framework creating hygiene hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is extracted from its traditional position on the container and repositioned to the mounting means above the container opening. This extraction allows the lid to cover the container opening and part of the framework when the drawer is closed, removing the framework from direct exposure to external dirt while maintaining drawer accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it covers the container opening to prevent pests and odours, and simultaneously covers part of the sliding mechanism framework to prevent dirt accumulation. This multi-functionality addresses both hygiene concerns and operational needs without requiring additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A container apparatus comprises a mounting means, a lid connected to the mounting means by a connecting means and a frame slideably connected to the mounting means. The frame is adapted to support a waste container. The frame is slideable between a first frame position, wherein an open end of the waste container is entirely covered by the lid, and a second frame position which is offset from the first position in a first direction. The connecting means allows the lid to move between a first lid position and a second lid position which is above the first lid position and is offset from the first lid position. The apparatus has lid moving means which move the lid to the second lid position when the frame is moved from the first frame position to the second frame position. A collar for mounting a container between runners of a retractable container apparatus is also provided.