Waste Container Lid Locking Mechanism for Deformation Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Urban waste containers face issues with the swing lid not being completely locked due to deformation, leading to compromised locking mechanisms and potential partial opening, especially in containers made of plastic with low rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a rotating control arm and a moving member with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, actuated by an electric linear actuator or motor, ensures the lid is properly locked by maintaining contact through a locking pin and arm locking area, even when the lid's position varies relative to the container body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with hook and ring is provided in known waste containers, then the lid can be locked when closed, but the lid may not be completely locked due to deformation of the plastic container body and lid during swing movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the locking mechanism from a rigid hook-ring system to a flexible cable system that can adapt to position variations. The cable's flexibility allows it to maintain effective locking force despite changes in the relative positions of locking elements caused by container deformation during lid swing movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible cable system. The cable can dynamically adjust its length and angle to accommodate position variations between the lid and container body, ensuring reliable locking throughout the swing motion range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dimensional play is provided between locking elements to compensate for position variation, then the locking mechanism can accommodate movement, but the play is greatly amplified at the end of the lid resulting in incomplete locking
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable acts as an intermediary element between the lid and container body locking points. It mediates the position variations by flexing and adjusting its geometry, preventing the amplification of dimensional play that occurs in rigid leveraged systems while maintaining secure locking connection.
3Extent of automation
If an electric actuator is used to drive the swing lid, then automated opening and closing is achieved, but the lid may reach resting position without being completely closed due to deformation, compromising the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable locking mechanism is designed to remain effective throughout the entire range of motion, including partial closure positions. The cable system is pre-configured to maintain locking force even when the lid does not reach the fully closed position, compensating for deformation-induced position variations before complete closure occurs.
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 mechanism ensures the lid is reliably locked and unlocked, reducing maintenance needs and preventing misuse, while an integrated intelligent control system restricts access and encourages proper waste sorting.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanism featuring a rotating control arm and a moving member with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
A mechanism featuring a rotating control arm and a moving member with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder
Implementation Method 3
actuated by an electric linear actuator or motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The unlocking and locking mechanism (100) comprises a moving member (110; 310) that is hinged to the lid (450) of the container (400) and a restraining mechanism (200) intended to lock the moving member (110; 310) for preventing the container lid (450) to be swung. The restraining mechanism (200) comprises a rotating control arm (220) arranged to be rotated into at least an unlocking position where the moving member (110; 310) is allowed to move and thus unlocking of the lid (450), and a locking position where the moving member (110; 310) is prevented from being moved and thus locking of the lid (450).