Waste Deposit Drum Locking Mechanism Without Electrical Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste disposal devices are vulnerable to unauthorized access and malfunction, particularly when users attempt to bypass identification or operate the mechanism clumsily, and they require electrical power which is inefficient and prone to maintenance issues in low temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical locking mechanism using a pivoting lever, sliding stops, gravity brake, and elastic elements ensures secure waste disposal by requiring a coded user key for unlocking, with operations relying solely on mechanical forces and minimal maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism with lever and foot lever is used to control disposal opening, then the device allows mechanical operation without electricity, but the mechanism is vulnerable to unauthorized access and malfunction when users attempt to bypass identification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidsusceptibility to malfunction during clumsy user interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: a coded key system for identification, a pivoting lever for motion control, sliding stops for position limiting, and a gravity brake for stabilization. Each component performs a specific function, and the segmentation prevents unauthorized operation while maintaining ease of use through clear operational sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device requires preliminary identification through a coded key before the disposal opening can be accessed. The key must be inserted and turned to unlock the mechanism before the pivoting lever can be operated. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized access and ensures proper identification before waste disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If battery power with photovoltaic cells is used to power electronic interface and electromechanical locking system, then the device can provide automated identification and locking, but the energy consumption increases and regular maintenance is required especially in low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated user identification and lockingVSAvoidenergy consumption and maintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses the user's own actions to power the identification system. When the user turns the coded key in the lock, the mechanical motion directly drives the identification process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external battery power while maintaining automated identification functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electromechanical locking system with a purely mechanical locking mechanism. Instead of using electric motors and electronic controls, the device uses a key-operated lock with mechanical levers, sliding stops, and gravity brakes. This substitution eliminates energy consumption and maintenance requirements associated with electrical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple mechanical stops and sliding stops are used to control the pivoting lever, then the device prevents unauthorized waste disposal, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unauthorized disposalVSAvoidnumber of mechanical components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple control functions into a single integrated locking mechanism. The coded key, pivoting lever, sliding stops, and gravity brake work together as one unified system rather than separate mechanisms. This merging reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliable prevention of unauthorized disposal through the interdependent operation of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device provides high security against tampering and efficient operation without electricity, ensuring proper waste disposal even with clumsy user interactions and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

a gravity brake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4647361A1A device for controlled waste depositing
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 EOL EKOS D O O
  • EP4647361A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4647361A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4647361A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for controlled waste depositing (1) comprising a device housing (17) fixedly connected to a waste collection container (2), a waste deposit drum (3) adapted for depositing a waste rotatably engaged with respect to the device housing (17), mechanism supports (6, 22) arranged in each of a side surface of the waste deposit drum (3), where the mechanism supports (6, 22) are fixedly attached to the device housing (17) and at the same time hold the waste deposit drum (3). The device housing (17) comprises a lock (5) fixed to a body of the device housing (17) enabling inserting of the waste in the waste deposit drum (3) by means of a coded user key for unlocking the device for controlled waste disposal (1) and a handle (4) arranged on an outer side of the waste deposit drum (3) enabling rotating and opening the waste deposit drum (3) within the device housing (17). The cylindrical surface of the waste deposit drum (3) comprises a disposal opening (26) in a form of a cylinder section and a cylindrical drum bottom (23) configured to close or open the disposal opening (26) of the waste deposit drum (3). One side surface of the waste deposit drum (3) is provided with a mechanism operating the cylindrical drum bottom (23) for opening or closing the disposal opening (26) of the waste deposit drum (3), and an opposite side surface of the waste deposit drum (3) is provided with a locking mechanism enabling disposing the waste into the waste deposit drum (3) by using the coded user key for unlocking the device for controlled waste disposal (1).