Corner Bin Bag Clamp for Follower Plate Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bin evacuation systems face challenges in securely fastening sterile bags to bins during the evacuation process, leading to inefficient food removal and potential user injury from misalignment and pinching hazards.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary bag clamp is designed to be mounted on a bin's corner, featuring a top and bottom portion with orthogonally arranged inner and outer clamp members that adjust to securely pinch the bin's walls, preventing the bag from bunching and guiding the follower plate into the bin safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ducting tape, packing tape, or a ratcheting strap is used to secure the bag to the bin, then the bag can be secured to the bin walls, but the process becomes cumbersome and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are self-aligning through the cam mechanism, automatically positioning themselves on the bin walls without requiring manual alignment by the operator. The spring-loaded design provides automatic engagement and securing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual alignment and securing process using tape or straps is replaced with an automated cam-based mechanical system that uses lever arm motion to activate the clamp members and secure the bag simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If the follower plate is manually aligned with the bin opening, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the user risks injury from pinching between the follower plate and bin walls
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members automatically align themselves with the bin walls through the cam mechanism during the lowering process, eliminating the need for manual alignment by the operator and removing them from the hazard zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members are positioned and engaged on the bin walls before the follower plate is lowered into the bin, pre-establishing the alignment and securing the bag in place to guide the follower plate safely.
3Ease of operation
If the bag is not adequately secured at the top edge of the bin, then the setup process is simpler, but the follower plate pulls the bag downward causing it to bunch up and impede complete evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members automatically engage and secure the bag at the optimal position as the follower plate is lowered, eliminating the need for pre-securing the bag with tape or straps while ensuring proper tension to prevent bunching.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members act as an intermediary mechanism between the follower plate and the bag, providing the necessary securing force to maintain bag tension and prevent bunching during the evacuation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp mountable on a corner of a bin to secure a bag to the bin includes a top portion and a bottom portion moveable in a sliding relationship relative to the top portion. The top portion has a first and second inner clamp members arranged orthogonally relative to one another. The first and second inner clamp members extend downward from a bottom surface of the top portion and are configured to be located on adjacent inner walls of the bin. The bottom portion has a first and second outer clamp members arranged orthogonally relative to one another. The first and second outer clamp members extend downward from a bottom surface of the bottom portion. The first and second inner clamp members are aligned with the first and second outer clamp members, respectively, to pinch a wall of the bin.