Foldable Bag Support Structure for Stable Spill-Free Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible food storage bags are difficult to fill without spilling due to their flimsiness, especially when containing liquids, and conventional methods like using a second person or heavy items often fail to provide stable support during filling.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a plurality of connected flat panels with non-parallel creases, forming a pyramidal or conical shape when assembled, which can be folded flat for storage and unfolded to securely hold a flexible bag open during filling, using mechanisms like securing tabs or adhesives to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible storage bag is used, then ease of transport and disposal is improved, but stability during filling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure acts as an intermediary between the flexible bag and the filling process. The support structure provides the necessary stability during filling while allowing the bag to remain flexible for transport. The bag is placed within the support structure, which prevents collapse and maintains shape during the filling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple flat panels that can be folded together to form a stable geometric shape (such as a pyramid or prism). This segmentation allows the structure to be compact for storage yet provide substantial support when assembled. The panels are connected through folds or creases that allow assembly and disassembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a second person is used to hold the bag, then filling stability is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be self-supporting, eliminating the need for additional human assistance during filling. The geometric configuration of the flat panels creates a stable structure that maintains the bag's shape independently. The structure can be easily assembled and disassembled by a single user without requiring another person to hold or stabilize the bag.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy items are used to secure the bag, then stability during filling is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heavy items to provide stability, the support structure utilizes geometric parameters and structural configuration to achieve stability. The flat panels are arranged in a geometric shape (pyramid, prism, or similar configuration) where the distribution of weight and structural geometry provide inherent stability without requiring heavy materials. This maintains ease of operation and accessibility.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is made rigid, then stability during filling is improved, but ease of storage and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions between two states: a compact folded state for storage and a rigid assembled state for use. The flat panels are connected through folds or creases that allow the structure to be collapsed into a compact form for storage, then easily assembled into a rigid geometric shape when needed. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to provide stability during filling while remaining compact for storage.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed principles provide for a novel flexible bag support structure. An exemplary support structure comprises a support body having a sidewall comprised of a plurality of connected flat panels separated by a folds or other means of connection formed along the lengthwise sides/edges between the flat panels. The creases for each of the plurality of lengthwise folds may be non-parallel and are each diverging from a bottom edge of the sidewall to a top edge of the sidewall. Such an exemplary support body further includes a securing mechanism disposed on a first lateral edge of a beginning flat panel configured to secure the first lateral edge of the beginning flat panel to a second lateral edge of an end flat panel, opposite the first lateral edge, when the sidewall is unfolded and the respective two lateral edges of the beginning and end flat panels are brought together.