Magnetic Nested Basket and Bag for Checkout Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
In materials handling facilities, the process of transitioning items from durable carriers like baskets to bags for transfer is hindered by physical limitations and delays, as items must be manually removed from carriers and placed in flimsy bags, slowing down transactions and requiring individual handling.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of combination carrying devices featuring baskets with magnetically compatible components and bags that can be nested within them, allowing for magnetic holding and easy removal of the bag and items as a single unit, facilitating seamless transition from picking to packing or checkout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If items are manually removed from durable carriers and placed in bags, then items can be transferred for checkout, but the process slows down transactions and requires individual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the durable carrier (basket) and the bag into a single integrated unit. The bag is positioned within the basket and both components work together as one system for carrying and transferring items, eliminating the need for separate manual handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The bag is nested within the basket structure, with the bag fitting inside the carrier. This nesting arrangement allows the bag to be held securely by the basket's handle, enabling both components to function as a unified carrying system that reduces handling steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If flimsy bags are used to hold items, then items can be contained for transfer, but the bags have low shear strengths and yield stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines two different materials with complementary properties: the durable carrier provides high strength and structural integrity, while the bag provides flexibility and containment. Together they form a composite carrying system that leverages the advantages of both materials
Solution Approach 2:
The bag acts as an intermediary element between the items and the durable carrier. It provides direct contact with the items for containment while being supported by the stronger carrier structure, allowing the fragile bag to function effectively without requiring high strength itself
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
This solution streamlines the transition process by enabling items to be lifted and removed from the basket as a bag, reducing handling time and improving efficiency in materials handling facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetized element and a metallic element, which generate a magnetic force between one another
Data Source
AI summary
A combination carrying device includes a rigid basket having a flexible bag nested therein. The flexible bag may be formed from one or more fabrics or like materials and form or define a tapered volume having a pair of handle extensions. The rigid basket may be formed from plastics or like materials and include rotatable handles mounted to sides of the rigid basket. The flexible bag and the rigid basket include magnetically compatible components that cause the flexible bag to remain nested within the rigid basket when such components are within a close proximity of one another. A customer carrying a combination carrying device in a materials handling facility may place one or more items in the flexible bag nested within the rigid basket, and extract the flexible bag from the rigid basket after executing a purchase for the items therein.