Bag Locking Mechanism With Inclined Plane And Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag locking mechanisms are difficult to handle, especially with heavy bags, and are not easily cleanable, posing ergonomic and sanitation challenges in bioreactor applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking bag locking mechanism with a movable locking means that moves between locking and releasing positions within a restricted space, facilitated by a spring-loaded mechanism and handle operation, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of bags without external clamps, and designed for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable clamp is used that must be lifted by the operator, then the bag can be secured in the locking mechanism, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming especially with heavy bags
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the operator to lift the clamp upward to release the bag, the invention inverts the operation: the clamp is pushed downward along the inclined plane to engage the bag, and pushing downward on the handle releases the bag. This inversion eliminates the need to lift heavy clamps, making operation easy regardless of bag weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with movable locking means that can dynamically transition between locked and released states. The inclined plane allows the clamp to move smoothly along the trajectory, enabling easy engagement and release operations without requiring significant force against gravity.
2Reliability
If a complex clamp mechanism is used to secure heavy bags, then the locking reliability improves, but the device complexity increases and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed locking means with an inclined plane, a movable locking means with a cam profile, and a handle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliable locking through the coordinated interaction of these simple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex multi-component clamps and implements it through a simple inclined plane and cam mechanism. By taking out only the necessary elements for reliable locking and eliminating unnecessary complexity, the design achieves both reliability and ease of cleaning.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism requires simultaneous lifting of the clamp and sliding of the bag, then the bag can be secured, but the operation becomes difficult to perform correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined plane is pre-configured to guide the movable locking means along a specific trajectory. When the operator pushes the handle downward, the inclined plane automatically guides the clamp to engage with the bag at the correct position and orientation, eliminating the need for the operator to simultaneously perform multiple complex actions.
4Reliability
If a traditional clamp mechanism is used, then the bag can be locked securely, but the mechanism is difficult to clean and maintain sanitation standards
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses smooth, continuous surfaces without crevices, joints, or complex geometries that could trap contaminants. The inclined plane and cam profile are designed as simple, smooth surfaces that are easy to wipe clean and maintain sanitation standards, while still providing reliable locking functionality.
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
Enables fast, safe, and ergonomic handling of heavy bags, ensuring secure locking without jamming and facilitating easy cleaning of the bioreactor, particularly suitable for large and heavy bags used in bioreactors.
Implementation Method 1
facilitated by a spring-loaded mechanism and handle operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bag locking mechanism comprising, a fixed locking means (106), provided with a first abutment surface (116), a movable locking means (108; 208), which is movable between a locking position and a releasing position, and a second abutment surface (118; 218) arranged on the movable locking means (108; 208). The fixed locking means (106) defines by its configuration, at least partly a restricted locking space (114), in which the movable locking means (108; 208) is movable between the locking and releasing position.