Self-Weighing Expandable Bag Spring Displacement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag designs fail to effectively indicate the weight of contents to users, particularly in scenarios where weight restrictions are enforced, such as airports or when carrying heavy loads that can cause health issues, especially in children.
Innovation Solution
A self-weighing bag design featuring a receptacle enclosed by a sleeve with a spring mechanism that visually indicates the weight of the load through vertical displacement, using either coil springs or elastic fabric, and optionally incorporating numerical or graphical markings that reveal as the weight increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weighing device is incorporated into the bag, then weight measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bag structure itself serves as the weighing device through the spring mechanism integrated into the sleeve-receptacle system, eliminating the need for separate electronic weighing components while providing visual weight indication through the displacement of markings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic weighing devices with a simple mechanical spring-based system that provides weight measurement through visual displacement of markings, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement functionality
2Loss of information
If visual weight indication markings are added to the bag, then weight visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual markings that change position or become visible based on the weight-induced displacement of the receptacle within the sleeve, providing intuitive weight information through visual cues without complex electronic displays
Solution Approach 2:
The markings are integrated directly into the bag structure (sleeve or receptacle), allowing the bag itself to display weight information without requiring separate indicators or displays, thus improving weight visibility while minimizing added complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the receptacle is fixed in the sleeve, then structural stability is improved, but weight indication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic connection between the receptacle and sleeve through a spring mechanism that allows controlled movement in response to weight changes, enabling the structure to transition from static to dynamic states for weight indication while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The bag is divided into separable components (sleeve and receptacle) with a controlled interface through the spring mechanism, allowing relative movement for weight indication while maintaining structural stability through the defined connection points
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
Provides a clear visual indication of the weight of the bag's contents, helping users comply with weight restrictions and preventing overloading, which can reduce health risks and fees associated with excess baggage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring attached to the sleeve and configured to support the receptacle, the spring controlling a distance by which the receptacle descends within the sleeve under a weight of the load
Implementation Method 2
The spring may include one or more coils and/or elastic fabric extending under the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A self-weighing expandable bag includes an inner receptacle that can slide vertically within an outer sleeve under the weight of bag contents. One or more springs, which may include coils and/or elastic fabric, connect the inner receptacle to the outer sleeve. One or more bag handles are attached to the sleeve. As the weight of the contents of the receptacle increases, the receptacle slides down within the sleeve and increasingly protrudes under the sleeve, expanding the vertical extent of the bag and revealing graphical markings underneath the sleeve and/or within a window defined in the sleeve.