Bag Holder with Expanding Arm Clamp for Refuse Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for holding and transporting refuse bags face challenges such as requiring multiple movements for securing, limited adaptability to different bag sizes, lack of self-standing capability, and incompatibility with hand trucks or dollies, leading to cumbersome and inefficient bag handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A bag holder assembly with a clamp plate, hinge arm, and expandable arm apparatus that can pivot and adjust to hold bags open and upright, combined with a cart featuring wheels for portability and a rotatable base for storage, allowing for secure and flexible bag handling and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple movements and clamps are used to secure the refuse bag, then the bag can be held securely, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamping functions into a single integrated clamp mechanism that simultaneously secures the bag opening and holds it upright, eliminating the need for separate clamps and multiple securing movements
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism incorporates spring-loaded arms that dynamically adjust to different bag sizes and shapes, providing automatic adaptation without requiring manual adjustment movements
2Reliability
If inner and outer ring clamps are used to hold the refuse bag, then the bag can be secured, but the device is limited to specific bag sizes and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded arm mechanism allows the clamp opening size to vary dynamically based on the bag dimensions, enabling the same device to accommodate different bag sizes without requiring size-specific configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into multiple independent spring arms that can move and adjust individually, allowing the structure to adapt to various bag shapes and sizes while maintaining secure holding
3Ease of operation
If large rubber bands are used to hold the bags, then the bags can be kept open, but the device becomes cumbersome and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple rubber band elastic mechanism with a structured spring-loaded arm system that provides controlled mechanical force, replacing an overly simple mechanism with a more refined mechanical system that reduces complexity while improving functionality
4Ease of operation
If spring-like mechanisms are used from inside to hold the bag open, then the bag can be kept open, but there is no latch mechanism for easy insertion and no adjustment to different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing them to expand or contract based on the bag diameter, providing automatic adaptation without requiring manual intervention or latch 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
The solution effectively keeps refuse bags open and upright, facilitates easy transportation without spilling or damaging the contents, and adapts to various bag sizes and transportation systems, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spring arms are arranged to generally form and opening on the interior of the expanding arm apparatus and configured to apply a biasing force to bias the expanding arm apparatus toward expanded position
Data Source
AI summary
A bag holder is capable of holding a bag in an upright position with the use of expanding arms and a unique two stage hinge and clamp mechanism, which allows the expanding arm apparatus to enter and clamp a refuse bag quickly and efficiently. The operation utilizes a hook mechanism and a clamp, which allows the operator to use one hand to manipulate the expanding arm apparatus and the other hand to position the refuse bag. In addition, the bag holder functions as transport cart for refuse bags. Also, the unique cart structure, allows storing of two garden tools and multiple refuse bags. The bag holder is able to fold onto itself and be stored on a hook, by the unique handle. The bag expander and clamp mechanism is detachable which can be adapted to existing dolly's or hand truck.