Folded Trash Bag Dispenser with Flexible Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trash can bag dispensing systems that use rolls require significant space and force to extract new bags, leading to potential issues with bag separation and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A trash can system that utilizes a flexible insert and a container holding interfolded trash bags, where the flexible insert provides support and aids in dispensing new bags without the need for rolling, reducing the force required and ensuring easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rolls are used to carry trash bags in the dispenser, then the bags can be continuously supplied, but the dispenser requires significant space and clearance to enable the roll to unroll while dispensing new bags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration of the trash bags from rolled form to folded form. This parameter change allows the bags to be stored in a compact, space-efficient manner within the dispenser while still enabling continuous supply through the folding mechanism that allows easy extraction of individual bags.
2Quantity of substance
If rolls are used to carry trash bags, then continuous supply is enabled, but a relatively high degree of force is needed to extract the next bag from the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the configuration parameter of the trash bags from rolled to folded state. This change fundamentally alters the extraction mechanism - instead of requiring force to unroll and separate bags from a tight roll, the folded configuration allows bags to be easily pulled apart with minimal force, as the folds naturally separate when tension is applied to the leading edge.
3Ease of operation
If high force is applied to pull bags from the dispenser, then bags can be extracted, but the force may cause early separation of the linked bags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bag configuration from rolled to folded, which fundamentally alters the force distribution during extraction. The folded structure allows force to be applied directly to the leading edge of the bag being extracted, with the force naturally distributed through the fold connections. This eliminates the risk of premature separation that occurs with rolled bags, where high extraction force can cause the linkage to fail before the bag is fully removed.
4Force
If folded trash bags are used instead of rolls, then space requirement is reduced and force needed for extraction is reduced, but a new dispensing mechanism must be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity from the dispensing mechanism by simply providing an open-top dispenser container where folded bags are placed. The dispensing action is extracted from the mechanism and performed directly by the user pulling on the leading edge of the bag. This eliminates the need for complex rollers, springs, or automated mechanisms, achieving low-force extraction with minimal device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A trash can system and component elements are described. Folded or interfolded trash bags are provided in a container beneath a flexible insert. The flexible insert provides separation between a trash bag in an operative position within the trash can, and provides support to the container against the pulling operation performed by a user to pull a full trash bag out of the container and dispense a new, refill trash bag from the container. According to another exemplary embodiment, folded or interfolded trash bags are provided in a tray which slidably connect to a lid associated with a box disposed in the trash can.