Flexible Strap Bag Closure for Damage-Free Trash Bag Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trash cans with automatic bag closure mechanisms suffer from complex structures, high energy consumption, and poor sealing efficiency due to rigid components that can damage or deform garbage bags, leading to sealing failures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible strap-based bag-closure mechanism using a heat-sealing assembly with a first and second arm for clamping, combined with a winding roller to automate the closure process, simplifying the structure and ensuring effective sealing without manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rigid pressing rods or plates are used for bag closure, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the garbage bag is prone to damage or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid pressing rods or plates with a flexible strap that can adapt its shape to the garbage bag. The flexible strap includes a pressing portion that contacts the bag opening and a body portion that extends away, allowing the strap to conform to the bag's contours while applying pressure. This flexibility prevents damage to the thin garbage bag material while maintaining effective sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the pressing component from rigid to flexible. The flexible strap can deform and adapt its shape based on the garbage bag's dimensions and position, allowing the same component to effectively seal bags of varying sizes without causing damage. This parameter change enables the system to maintain optimal pressing force distribution across different sealing scenarios.
2Reliability
If rigid pressing plates are used for bag closure, then sealing contact is improved, but the pressing plate surface is prone to deformation when bent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible strap instead of a rigid pressing plate, allowing the pressing component to bend and deform elastically rather than permanently. The flexible strap's material properties enable it to return to its original shape after deformation, maintaining stable sealing contact while accommodating variations in garbage bag position and size without suffering permanent damage.
3Device complexity
If manual closure operation is used, then simplicity is maintained, but hygiene is compromised and convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic closure mechanism where the flexible strap is driven by a winding roller that can be actuated by various means (manual crank, motor, or spring). The system performs the closure operation autonomously without requiring direct manual manipulation of the sealing process, thereby improving hygiene by avoiding contact with waste while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of a straightforward winding and releasing mechanism.
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
The mechanism simplifies the closure process, reduces energy consumption, and enhances sealing efficiency by using a flexible strap and heat-sealing assembly, ensuring a compact and aesthetically pleasing design while preventing bag damage and leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element arranged on the heat-pressing surface; the heating element is configured to perform heat sealing on the garbage bag
Implementation Method 2
the winding roller is configured to rotate to elastically wind or unwind the flexible strap
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible strap-based bag-closure mechanism for a trash can, including a bag-closure main body provided at an opening of the trash can. A middle of the bag-closure main body is provided with a trash inlet. The bag-closure main body is internally provided with a cavity. The cavity is configured as an annular structure surrounding the trash inlet. An inner side of the cavity is provided with an opening communicated with the trash inlet. The bag-closure mechanism further includes a heat-sealing assembly, a limiting block, a flexible strap and a winding roller provided within the cavity. The heat-sealing assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a connecting end and a hinged end. The second arm is fixedly provided on the bag-closure main body, and is located on a side of the hinged end.