Bag Dispenser Stack Segmentation for Sequential Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag dispensers require users to perform a pinching and pulling action to remove bags, which can be unclear and inefficient, and do not facilitate easy access or opening of bags for filling.
Innovation Solution
A bag dispenser design featuring a stack of pre-formed bags with adhesion portions on alternate sides, allowing for diagonal pulling and easy removal, where the adhesion between bags fails to facilitate sequential bag access and opening, with a container structure that provides resistance to prevent multiple bag removal at once.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bags are retained in a folded stack with friction and electrostatic adhesion, then bags are held together in the container, but the user must perform an unclear pinching and pulling action to remove a bag
Solution Approach 1:
The bag stack is segmented into individual bags with distinct separation points. Each bag has a defined separation line where it can be cleanly detached from the next bag, allowing sequential removal without requiring complex pinching and pulling actions. The segmentation creates clear visual and tactile cues for users on where to grasp and pull each bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The bags are pre-configured with adhesion portions and separation lines during manufacturing. The adhesion portions are preliminarily positioned to create a folded stack structure that maintains stability while enabling easy sequential removal. The separation lines are pre-formed at optimal locations to facilitate clean detachment during use.
2Volume of moving object
If the stack is fully folded to save space, then the container size is reduced, but the user cannot easily access and open the bag mouth for filling
Solution Approach 1:
The bag stack employs a nested folded configuration where bags are folded and stacked in a compact arrangement similar to nested dolls. The stack maintains a condensed form within the container while preserving the ability to sequentially access individual bags. The nested structure allows the top bag to be easily accessed and opened without requiring the entire stack to be unfolded.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag stack utilizes three-dimensional folding arrangements that compact the bags in multiple directions. The folded stack creates a compact volume-efficient structure while maintaining access to the bag mouths through strategically positioned openings or access points in the folded configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction between container and bag stack is increased to prevent accidental movement, then bag stack stability is improved, but the next bag does not protrude sufficiently to indicate what to pull
Solution Approach 1:
The bag stack employs differential friction characteristics at different locations. The lower portion of the stack maintains high friction with the container to prevent accidental movement, while the upper portion where bags are removed has reduced friction to allow the next bag to protrude and provide visual indication. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between stability and indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The bags incorporate visual indicators such as color-coded sections, contrasting patterns, or highlighted areas that become visible when the next bag protrudes. These visual changes provide clear information to users about which bag to pull and in which direction, compensating for situations where friction prevents significant protrusion.
4Strength
If the adhesion portion is strong to keep bags together, then the stack integrity is maintained, but multiple bags may be removed at once instead of one at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesion system is segmented into discrete adhesion portions located at specific intervals between bags. Each adhesion portion has controlled strength characteristics that allow sequential detachment. The segmentation creates distinct failure points that ensure one bag is removed at a time rather than multiple bags detaching simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesion portions utilize materials or structures with specific mechanical properties that provide optimal holding strength during normal use but fail in a controlled manner during removal. The parameter changes in adhesion strength, flexibility, or failure mode ensure that bags detach sequentially one at a time rather than in groups, maintaining productivity while preserving stack integrity during storage.
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 design provides a clear indication of what to pull for bag removal, assists in opening the bag, and ensures that only one bag is removed at a time, making the process user-friendly and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesion portions of alternate bags in the stack being formed adjacent respectively opposite sides relative to the next bag in the stack so as to adhere the back wall of one bag to the front wall of the next bag in the region of the adhesion portion
Implementation Method 2
the friction between the container and the stack of bags and the relative strengths of the lines of weakening and the adhesion portions, upon removal of the uppermost bag in the stack, cause the uppermost bag to be pulled from the container
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-formed bags dispenser comprises a container having an access aperture, a stack of pre-formed bags located in the container and having a first portion (12) deviated, preferably folded, at a transverse bend from a second portion containing mouth ends of the bags, and attachment means in the container separably attached to the mouth ends at lines of weakening, e.g. perforations. Front walls of the bags at the second portion, tensioned by the bending of the stack, are presented towards the access aperture. The bag nearest to the access aperture can be drawn out through the aperture by pulling its front wall, with one hand, relative to the attachment means. As the bag is so pulled its mouth is opened and the separable attachment to the attachment means is released. The attachment means, in one form, comprises a bar block separably joined to the mouths and/or handles of the bags. The container may be in the form of a box substantially closed apart from the access aperture, a tray or a bag.