Fluid-Assisted Shipper Bag Structure for Near-Complete Evacuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipper bags leave significant residual product due to trapping in folds, wrinkles, and corners during evacuation, especially for viscous and granular products, and existing multi-ply bags do not fully address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A shipper bag design with a fluid chamber extending from the product discharge zone to a location opposite the discharge zone, featuring multiple non-coplanar compartments that inflate above the product to enhance drainage, reducing residual by forming interfaces that squeeze product towards the discharge zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the bag is evacuated and collapses during product removal, then the bag structure simplifies and compactness improves, but product becomes trapped in folds and wrinkles increasing residual waste
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is divided into multiple plies (inner ply, middle ply, outer ply) that can move independently. The inner ply forms the product-containing chamber while the middle and outer plies form the fluid chamber that inflates to manipulate the bag shape, separating the product containment function from the shape control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid chamber is inflated in advance during the product removal process to create a smooth bag configuration before complete evacuation occurs. This preliminary inflation action prevents folds and wrinkles from forming, ensuring product flows smoothly to the discharge zone without getting trapped.
2Loss of substance
If multiple plies are used to reduce residual product, then product removal efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple plies are combined to form an integrated structure where the inner ply contains the product and the middle and outer plies contain the fluid chamber. These layers work together as a unified system, with the fluid chamber inflation simultaneously smoothing multiple surfaces and directing product flow, reducing residual without requiring complex separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid chamber serves multiple functions: it smooths the bag interior surface to prevent folding, directs product flow toward the discharge zone, and maintains bag structural integrity during evacuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while achieving multiple goals.
3Productivity
If the fluid chamber extends to a location opposite the product discharge zone, then product drainage efficiency improves, but the bag volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid chamber is positioned specifically at the bottom portion of the bag, extending from the product discharge zone to a location opposite it. This localized placement concentrates the inflation action where it is most needed for product evacuation, creating a sump effect that directs product flow without requiring the entire bag to have increased volume.
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 design achieves near-complete evacuation of product by minimizing residual trapped in folds and corners, enhancing drainage efficiency through the use of non-coplanar compartments and fluid-assisted inflation.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid chamber (e.g., to hold air) extending from a location proximate a drain (or a product discharge zone) to a location proximate a location opposite the drain (or product discharge zone)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
A shipper bag having at least one fluid chamber to facilitate fluid-assisted container evacuation from a product discharge zone of a product chamber. The product chamber is formed by at least one inner ply, and the least one fluid chamber disposed between the at least one inner ply and at least one second ply. The at least one fluid chamber has at least one seam connecting the at least one inner ply to the at least one second ply such that, when in the inflated state, the at least one seam comprises a first seam that extends from a location proximate the product discharge zone to a location proximate a location opposite the discharge zone. The bag may have two or more fluid compartments.