Evacuable Waterproof Storage Bag for Tactile Use of Sealed Items
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current waterproof and dustproof storage containers do not allow effective storage and use of items like firearms and electronic devices, particularly when exposed to water or contaminants, due to lack of tactile operation capabilities and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A selectively sealable evacuable storage bag with a flexible waterproof material, a waterproof weld, a selectively actuable valve, and a selectively openable and closable seal, enabling evacuation of the storage chamber to maintain a watertight and airtight condition for operation of items within.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general waterproof storage container design is used, then waterproof protection is achieved, but tactile contact and manipulation of the stored article is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple sections: a sealed waterproof storage chamber for protection, and an accessible exterior surface with tactile features for operation. The seal divides the interior into an evacuated protected zone while maintaining access to controls on the exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tactile interface layer between the user and the stored article. This includes textured exterior surfaces, raised markings, and controllable features that allow manipulation without direct contact with the article itself, mediating the interaction while maintaining waterproof sealing.
2Ease of operation
If a custom-designed waterproof container is made specifically for an item and its operable features, then sufficient tactile contact is provided, but manufacturing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs universal design elements that can accommodate multiple types of articles. The standardized seal, evacuable chamber, and generic tactile interface features can be used across different container models and applications, reducing the need for custom tooling and manufacturing processes for each specific article type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the sealing mechanism and material properties to achieve waterproofing without complex custom designs. The seal transitions between sealed and accessible states, and the material properties are optimized for both protection and tactile interaction, allowing a single design to serve multiple functions without increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If the storage container is completely sealed for waterproof protection, then water and dust protection is achieved, but the stored item cannot be used or operated while in the container
Solution Approach 1:
The container implements dynamic characteristics through the seal mechanism that can transition between sealed and accessible states. The tactile interface features allow for dynamic interaction with the stored article while maintaining the overall sealed environment, enabling operation without compromising the waterproof barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by placing the stored article within the evacuated waterproof chamber, which is nested within the larger container structure that provides the tactile interface. This nested arrangement allows the article to remain protected while the outer layers provide operational capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If flexible waterproof material is used for the storage bag, then tactile contact is improved, but maintaining a watertight seal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses composite material construction combining flexible waterproof layers with sealed bonding mechanisms. The flexible material provides tactile capability while the composite structure with integrated sealing layers maintains watertight integrity, reconciling the conflicting requirements of flexibility and seal reliability.
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
Enables waterproof and dustproof storage and use of items like firearms and electronic devices by allowing tactile operation and maintaining functionality despite exposure to water or contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
the storage chamber is evacuable from an unevacuated condition to an evacuated condition by selective removal of a gas through the selectively actuable valve
Implementation Method 2
a waterproof weld joining a first peripheral portion of the first side to a second peripheral portion of the second side
Data Source
AI summary
A selectively sealable evacuable storage bag comprises a first side comprising a flexible waterproof bag material having a first peripheral shape, a thickness, a first inner surface and a first outer surface; an opposed second side of the bag material comprising a mirror image of the first side in corresponding engagement with the first side; a waterproof weld joining the first side to the second side and defining an opening and a storage chamber extending between them, the opening configured to receive an article; a valve disposed on the first side or the second side, the valve disposed in a conduit attached to respective side and extending from a conduit opening to an outlet opening; and a selectively openable and closable seal disposed proximate the opening and providing a watertight, dust tight, and airtight seal in a closed condition, wherein in the closed condition the storage chamber is evacuable.