Bag Rack With Resilient Arms for Reusable and Disposable Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grocery stores face inefficiencies and increased customer wait times due to difficulties in handling and accommodating both disposable and reusable bags, which vary in size, shape, and material, at checkout counters.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose bag rack with resiliently opposing arms and a support frame that can securely hold and dispense disposable plastic bags while accommodating reusable bags of different configurations, featuring a hook for securing disposable bags and adjustable arm assemblies for easy handling of reusable bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bag racks are used to accommodate both disposable and reusable bags, then the checkout counter can serve both bag types, but the handling efficiency decreases and customer wait time increases due to difficulties in keeping reusable bags in place and adjusting bagging techniques for different bag variations
Solution Approach 1:
The bag rack is divided into distinct functional zones: a hook for disposable bags and resilient arms for reusable bags. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific bag type, eliminating the need for cashiers to adjust techniques for different bags and maintaining high checkout efficiency while serving both bag types
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm mechanism serves multiple functions: it can hold various reusable bag types (grocery, produce, bakery bags) of different sizes and materials, while the same arm structure with simple height adjustment accommodates different bag handle configurations. This multi-functionality maintains checkout efficiency across diverse bag types
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reusable bags are used instead of disposable plastic bags, then environmental friendliness improves, but the difficulty in keeping bags in place and handling opened bags increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms automatically adjust to accommodate different reusable bag sizes and handle configurations without cashier intervention. The arms self-regulate their grip and positioning, making reusable bag handling as easy as disposable bags while maintaining environmental benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arms can change their effective parameters (grip force, arm position, engagement depth) based on the specific reusable bag type being handled. This adaptability makes various reusable bags easy to handle by automatically adjusting to each bag's characteristics
3Device complexity
If a single bag rack design is used for all bag types, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely hold and dispense both disposable and reusable bags efficiently is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms incorporate dynamic elements that allow automatic adaptation to different bag types through height adjustment and resilient engagement. This dynamic capability provides multi-purpose functionality while maintaining relatively simple device structure, as the adaptability comes from the arms' inherent mechanical properties rather than complex control systems
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 bag rack enhances operational efficiency and customer satisfaction by providing stable and convenient handling of both disposable and reusable bags, reducing wait times and improving checkout processes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second bag support arm assemblies may comprise a pair of resiliently opposing arms suitable for frictionally engaging reusable bag handles
Implementation Method 2
resiliently opposing arms suitable for frictionally engaging reusable bag handles
Implementation Method 3
one of the opposing arms comprise a resiliently deformable pinching wire for enabling placement and opening of reusable bags in a wide variety of configurations
Implementation Method 4
The hook may preferably be used to insert into a breakable center loop found on many types of conventional disposable plastic bags so as to allow securing of a bundle of disposable plastic bags to the support frame
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention relates to a bag rack for the multi-purpose of holding and dispensing disposable plastic bags as well as holding open reusable bags in a variety of configurations and positions. The multi-purpose bag comprises first and second bag support arm assemblies each of which comprises a pair of resiliently arms of different lengths and degree of flexibility for frictionally engaging reusable bag handles.