Bag Clamp with Cam-Based Locking for Secure Surface Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag hangers lack secure and reliable attachment methods to surfaces, making them susceptible to accidental detachment or theft, and do not accommodate vertical or chair-back orientations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bag clamp with coaxial retention arms that rotate about a pivoting axis, featuring a locking mechanism with an engaged and disengaged setting, and a release button that requires overcoming a biasing force to transition between settings, along with optional features like ratchet mechanisms, jamming components, and wireless communication for alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction-based bag hangers are used to keep the hanger set on the table or surface, then the device can be easily placed on surfaces, but it can easily slip off the table or surface when the bag or hanger is accidentally contacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical attachment system with a cam-based locking mechanism. The cam mechanism transforms rotational motion into radial clamping force, providing positive mechanical engagement instead of relying on friction. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of placement through simple rotation while achieving reliable attachment through the interlocking cam and slot geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic locking mechanism where the cam can rotate between locked and unlocked positions. The dynamic nature allows the user to easily transition between states (ease of operation) while the locked position provides secure attachment (reliability). The spring-loaded arm provides continuous pressure to maintain engagement, ensuring the bag remains securely held once attached.
2Reliability
If suspension clamps are used to hang a bag from a surface, then the bag can be hung from the surface, but the clamping force is released when the tension, supplied by the weight of the bag, is relieved upon lifting the bag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded arm that continuously applies pressure to the cam mechanism, maintaining the bag clamp in a locked position even when the bag is removed. This preliminary action ensures that the clamping force is already in place before the bag is hung, and the spring maintains engagement pressure throughout operation, preventing unauthorized removal and providing theft deterrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically maintains the locked position without requiring continuous user intervention. The spring's stored energy self-regulates to maintain constant pressure on the cam, ensuring the bag remains securely held during use and automatically returns to the locked position when the bag is removed, providing both hanging capability and theft security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bag hangers are used on horizontal surfaces, then they can be placed on tables, but they do not accommodate vertical or chair-back orientations effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic cam mechanism that can engage with the bag handle from various orientations. The rotational degree of freedom allows the clamp to adapt to different surface orientations (horizontal, vertical, or angled) while maintaining the same locking principle. The spring-loaded arm automatically adjusts its pressure direction based on the mounting orientation, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the primary locking action, accommodates various surface orientations through rotational adjustment, and works with different bag handle configurations. This universal design allows a single device to function effectively on tables, vertical walls, chair backs, and other surfaces, eliminating the need for orientation-specific mechanisms.
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
Provides secure attachment to various surfaces, including vertical orientations, and alerts for unauthorized access, preventing accidental detachment and theft while ensuring the bag remains securely hung.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that applies a force to the arm
Implementation Method 2
The friction pad can be made of a material having a high coefficient of friction and/or have surface features that increase the coefficient of friction
Data Source
AI summary
A bag clamp having retention arms, capable of rotating about a pivoting axis between an open and closed position. The retention arms are connected to a locking mechanism configured to prevent the retention arms from pivoting to an open configuration when the locking mechanism is in an engaged setting. The arms are shaped to create an open receiving space. The open receiving space allows the bag clamp to receive a rigid structure to clamp onto while also receiving a bag's straps.