Inflatable Bag Loading Nozzle for Leak-Safe Quick Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag loading nozzles face challenges with ease of replacement, leakage issues due to cable ties, and operator safety concerns from annular hoops, as well as difficulties in manual removal and maintenance due to rigid connections with feed hoppers.
Innovation Solution
A bag loading nozzle with an actuable fluid inflatable collar and a resiliently deformable profiled band for sealing and snap-fit attachment to a profiled tube, allowing for quick attachment and detachment without tools, and preventing leakage and finger traps, using a pneumatic fitting for inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable tie is used to connect the inflation ring to the rigid tubular section, then the nozzle can be assembled, but the reattachment process becomes difficult and time-consuming, and leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable tie connection system with a resilient band that can be quickly inserted and secured into a retaining groove. This mechanical substitution eliminates the time-consuming cable tie process while maintaining secure connection and seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation ring is constructed as a flexible collar that can be easily attached and detached. This flexible structure allows for quick replacement without tools, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining the sealing function through its ability to conform to the spout interior.
2Ease of operation
If an annular hoop is positioned about the inflation ring to secure the bag, then the bag is securely held, but finger traps are created for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the annular hoop component entirely from the design. Instead of using a separate hoop to secure the bag, the system relies on the inflated collar itself to hold the bag securely, eliminating the finger trap hazard while maintaining bag securing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of the annular hoop for securing the bag is merged into the inflation ring itself. The inflated collar performs both the sealing function and the bag securing function, eliminating the need for a separate hoop component and the associated safety hazards.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the nozzle is rigidly connected to the feed hopper, then structural stability is maintained, but removal for replacement or maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed as a separable component with a distinct connection interface to the feed hopper. The resilient band and retaining groove create a modular connection that maintains structural stability during operation but allows for easy removal and replacement, facilitating maintenance without requiring complex disassembly.
4Productivity
If a resilient band is used for snap-fit attachment, then quick tool-free replacement is enabled, but the connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient band provides a dynamic connection that adapts to operational forces. The band's elasticity allows it to maintain strong connection under normal operating conditions while still permitting quick release when needed, achieving both high replacement speed and adequate connection strength through its dynamic mechanical properties.
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
Enables rapid and tool-free replacement, reduces leakage, and enhances operator safety by providing a secure seal and easy operation, while maintaining a non-deformable duct path for material flow, ensuring efficient material entrainment into bags.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet comprises a resiliently inwardly deformable profiled band to be nested inside a profiled tube
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuable fluid inflatable collar at least substantially about the shape retaining tube, which when actuated to its inflated form(s) will effect at least a substantial sealing with a fitted suitable bag from within its spouted entrance
Data Source
Figure 1A~4
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A bag loading nozzle to confine a flow of material from upstream feed for downstream discharge into a bag having a spouted entrance. The nozzle comprising an interior wall presenting an inlet and an outlet, located intermediate of the inlet and outlet end and about the interior wall is a shape retaining tube and through which the material is to pass from the feed into the bag. At least one actuable fluid inflatable collar at least substantially about the shape retaining tube is provided such that when actuated to its inflated form(s) it will effect at least a substantial sealing with a fitted suitable bag from within its spouted entrance.