Bag Loading Nozzle With Inflatable Collar for Leak-Free Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag loading nozzles face issues with ease of replacement, leakage, and operator safety due to the use of cable ties and rigid inflatable designs that hinder manual removal for maintenance or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A bag loading nozzle with an actuable fluid inflatable collar that surrounds a shape retaining tube, allowing for sealing and release of the bag, and a snap-fit arrangement for secure attachment and detachment without tools, eliminating the need for hose clips and reducing leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cable tie is used to connect the inflation ring to the rigid tubular section, then the nozzle can be assembled, but the replacement and reattachment process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into separable components (inflation ring, rigid tubular section, bag spout) that can be independently replaced. The inflation ring is designed as a separate replaceable component rather than being permanently attached, enabling quick removal and replacement without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static permanent attachment (cable tie) to a dynamic reversible connection. The inflation ring can be quickly attached and detached from the rigid tubular section, allowing rapid replacement while maintaining secure connection during use.
2Ease of manufacture
If a cable tie is used to secure the inflation ring, then the components can be connected, but leakage occurs at the connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tie connection method is extracted and replaced with a dedicated connection interface between the inflation ring and rigid tubular section. This new connection method is specifically designed to prevent leakage while maintaining ease of assembly, eliminating the leakage problem associated with cable ties.
Solution Approach 2:
A transition piece or connection interface acts as an intermediary between the inflation ring and rigid tubular section. This intermediary component provides a sealed connection that prevents material leakage while allowing easy attachment and detachment, replacing the inadequate cable tie connection.
3Reliability
If an annular hoop is positioned about the inflation ring to secure the bag, then the bag is held securely, but finger traps are created for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The annular hoop that created the finger trap hazard is extracted from the design. Instead of using a rigid hoop that pinches fingers, the bag securing function is achieved through the inflated collar itself, which provides a safe and secure holding mechanism without creating pinch points.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of creating a secure holding mechanism that might pinch fingers is converted into a benefit by using a flexible inflated collar instead of a rigid hoop. The collar provides secure bag holding through uniform pressure distribution, eliminating finger traps while maintaining reliability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid inflatable nozzle design is used, then structural stability is maintained, but manual removal for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid inflatable nozzle is segmented into the rigid tubular section (providing structural stability) and the flexible inflation ring (enabling easy removal). This segmentation allows the rigid portion to maintain structural integrity while the flexible portion facilitates simple manual detachment for maintenance.
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
Facilitates rapid and tool-free replacement of nozzles, enhances sealing efficiency to prevent material spillage, and ensures operator safety by eliminating pinch points, while maintaining a secure and leak-resistant connection with the bag spout.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuable fluid inflatable collar at least substantially about the shape retaining tube, which when actuated to its inflated form(s) will effect at least a substantial sealing with a fitted suitable bag from within its spouted entrance
Data Source
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AI summary
A bag loading nozzle to confine a flow of material from upstream feed for downstream discharge into a bag having a spouted entrance. The nozzle comprising an interior wall presenting an inlet and an outlet, located intermediate of the inlet and outlet end and about the interior wall is a shape retaining tube and through which the material is to pass from the feed into the bag. At least one actuable fluid inflatable collar at least substantially about the shape retaining tube is provide such that when actuated to its inflated form(s) it will effect at least a substantial sealing with a fitted suitable bag from within its spouted entrance.