Adjustable Side Supports for Flexible Bag Transport Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for handling flexible bags are inflexible and struggle to accommodate different bag formats, particularly when transporting bags at high speeds or through cooling devices, as they are not designed to adapt to various bag sizes and formats.

Innovation Solution

A device with adjustable side supports that can be moved to accommodate different bag formats, featuring a funnel-shaped insertion aid and staggered contact surfaces, allowing for secure upright positioning of bags of varying sizes, and an adjustment mechanism using a row of teeth meshing with a pinion for easy adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed side supports are used in transport receptacles, then bags can be securely positioned during transport, but the device cannot accommodate different bag formats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag positioning stabilityVSAvoidbag format adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side supports are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the distance between them to be dynamically changed to match different bag widths. This enables the same transport receptacle to securely hold various bag formats while maintaining stable positioning during transport and cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distance parameter between side supports is made variable through an adjustment mechanism. By changing this spatial parameter, the device can adapt to different bag formats while maintaining the secure positioning function required for reliable transport and cooling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If vertical side supports are used, then bag support is provided during high-speed transport, but bags cannot be easily inserted into the receptacle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag support at high speedVSAvoidbag insertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side supports are configured to be inclined outward at their upper portions, creating a funnel-shaped insertion aid before the bag reaches the vertical support section. This preliminary geometric configuration guides the bag into the receptacle easily, after which the bag is securely supported for high-speed transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The upper portions of the side supports feature inclined, curved surfaces that form a funnel shape, facilitating smooth bag insertion. This transitions to vertical surfaces that provide stable support during transport, combining ease of operation with transport reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If non-adjustable transport receptacles are used, then the structure remains simple, but format changes require additional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceptacle structure simplicityVSAvoidformat change capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A straightforward adjustment mechanism allows the side supports to be moved between fixed positions, providing format adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity. The same mechanism can adjust multiple receptacles simultaneously, enhancing versatility while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2113463B1Device for handling flexible bags
Publication Date: 2012.03.21 INDAG GESELLSCHAFT FUR INDUSTRIEBEDARF MBH & CO BETRIEBS KG
  • EP2113463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2113463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2113463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has a transport receptacle (2) in which a flexible bag is transportable in a standing manner. The transport receptacle is provided with a base (5) and two side supports (3, 4). The side supports are provided in a distance facing each other and are adjustable for adaptation of different bag formats. The transportation receptacle is designed as a receiving box for a cooling device. The side supports are provided with an insertion aid (10). The transport receptacle is arranged on a common conveyer device. A carrier (12) of the transport receptacle is designed as a stand base.