Decorating Bag Coupler With Segmented Bayonet Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current couplers for decorating bags are difficult to use, requiring precise cutting of the bag, are prone to cross-threading, and do not accommodate large or small tips well, making it messy to change tips during use and complicating the process of removing them after decorating.

Innovation Solution

A coupler system with an inner and outer coupler, along with a retainer, that uses large threads and a bayonet locking mechanism to securely attach to the decorating bag and tips, allowing easy tip changes and preventing messes, while accommodating various tip sizes and geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current couplers are used with decorating bags, then tip changing is enabled, but the process becomes messy and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetip changing processVSAvoidmess during tip changing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is divided into distinct components: an inner coupler that interfaces with the decorating bag and an outer coupler that interfaces with the tip retainer. This segmentation allows the bag to remain sealed while enabling easy tip changes by simply detaching and reattaching the outer coupler assembly, preventing messy spills during tip changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner coupler is inserted into the decorating bag, and the outer coupler is threaded over the inner coupler. The retainer then secures to the outer coupler, creating a nested structure. This nested design allows the coupler system to be easily attached and detached as a unit, enabling clean tip changes without disturbing the bag contents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If current couplers with fine threading are used, then attachment to decorating bag is achieved, but cross-threading of the retainer occurs making operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler attachmentVSAvoidthreading process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The threading mechanism is designed with differentiated thread characteristics at different locations. The inner coupler has threading optimized for engagement with the decorating bag, while the outer coupler has threading designed for engagement with the retainer. This local differentiation of thread properties prevents cross-threading by ensuring each threading interface engages only with its intended partner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The inner coupler serves as an intermediary component between the decorating bag and the outer coupler. Its threading is specifically designed to engage with the bag's opening, providing a stable intermediate interface that prevents the outer coupler's threading from engaging with the retainer in a cross-threaded manner during the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If current couplers are used, then tip securing is enabled, but they do not work well with very large or very small decorating tips reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetip size accommodationVSAvoidtip securing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer assembly is designed with adjustable or modular components that can accommodate a wide range of tip sizes and geometries. The outer coupler and retainer combination can securely hold both very small and very large tips through adjustable retention mechanisms, making the coupler system universally applicable to various decorating tip types while maintaining reliable securing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If current coupler parts are used, then coupling function is achieved, but they are small and difficult to grip with greasy hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler structureVSAvoidgripping with greasy hands

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler design incorporates ergonomic features that extend the gripping surfaces in additional dimensions. The outer coupler and retainer are designed with enlarged surfaces, contours, or protrusions that provide multiple gripping points and increased surface area, making it easier to grasp and manipulate the components even when hands are greasy, without significantly increasing the overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9579685B2Coupler for decorating bag

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 WILTON IND INC

AI summary

A coupler removably connectable to a decorating bag. The coupler includes an inner coupler configured to be inserted into the decorating bag, an outer coupler configured to removably secure to the inner coupler with the decorating bag disposed between the inner coupler and the outer coupler and a retainer configured to receive a decorating tip and removably secure to the outer coupler in order to lock the decorating tip into position.