Clip-and-Rail Rack System for Vertical Re-Sealable Bag Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Re-sealable storage bags occupy excessive shelf space when stored, as they lie flat and cannot be stacked without risking the contents being flattened or spilled, and they waste vertical space.
Innovation Solution
A reusable clip system and modular rack system that allows re-sealable bags to be hung and organized, using clips that fit within a rack with rails, enabling efficient storage and access without the need for manual feeding of bags into slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If re-sealable bags are stored lying flat on shelves, then they are easy to access, but they occupy excessive shelf space and waste vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions storage from horizontal (lying flat on shelves) to vertical (hanging from rack bars), utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce horizontal shelf space occupation while maintaining accessibility
2Area of stationary object
If re-sealable bags are stacked on top of each other on shelves, then space is saved, but the contents may be flattened or spilled
Solution Approach 1:
By hanging bags vertically from rack bars using clips, the patent eliminates horizontal stacking that causes compression and seal failure, while still achieving space-efficient storage through vertical arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces clips as intermediary components that attach to the bags and hang from the rack, distributing the weight and preventing direct contact between stacked bags that would cause flattening and seal damage
3Volume of stationary object
If manual feeding of bags into slots is required, then storage is compact, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clips are designed to automatically engage with the bags when placed on the rack, eliminating the need for manual feeding into slots and allowing users to simply place bags on the rack for automatic securing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to insert bags into fixed slots (complex operation), the patent inverts the approach by having bags placed on open rack bars where clips automatically engage (simple operation)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for hanging a storage bag having a re-sealable mechanical seal having a clip with a generally elongate enclosure of the storage bag proximate the re-sealable mechanical seal. The clip arms are flexibly connected to a living hinge for enclosure of a storage bag which may be slid into and out of the rack via the interiorly positioned opposing parallel rails by contact between the lower side of the clip arms and the upper surface of the opposing rails. The clip arms and opposing parallel rails of the rack may be configured with recesses or ridges to lock the position of the clips within the rack during use. A top carrier aperture allows insertion of a carrier rod allowing multiple racks to be adjacently positioned. The rack may be configured with a fastener aperture to allow attachment of the rack to other structures.