Modular Bag Drying Apparatus With Interlocking Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag drying apparatuses are unstable, unable to accommodate bags of various sizes, and lack efficient drying mechanisms, making them inconvenient for use and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A modular bag drying apparatus with interlocking panel and board slots that maintain bags in an open position, equipped with a fan for enhanced airflow, and designed for easy disassembly and storage, allowing for customization and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple upstanding pole structure is used to receive a bag, then the device structure is simple, but the device is unstable and prone to tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple components: a base unit with suction mechanism, a flexible hose, and a bag holder assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base provides stable grounding through suction, while the holder provides structured bag support, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible hose acts as an intermediary element connecting the base unit to the bag holder. This intermediary allows the stable base to support the bag holder at a distance while maintaining connection, preventing tipping by distributing weight and providing a flexible yet stable linkage.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size bag holder is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the device cannot accommodate bags of various sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The bag holder incorporates adjustable elements that allow it to dynamically adapt to different bag sizes. The holder can be reconfigured or resized based on the specific bag being dried, enabling a single device to serve multiple bag size requirements without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag holder is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate various bag sizes and types. By incorporating adjustable features and flexible components, the holder can universally fit different bag configurations, making the device versatile while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized base components.
3Device complexity
If natural drying is used without additional mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the drying time is excessive and bag recontamination may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces passive natural drying with an active mechanical drying system using a vacuum suction mechanism. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure to actively draw moisture from the bag interior through the holder openings, dramatically reducing drying time compared to passive air drying while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum suction mechanism accelerates the evaporation and removal of moisture from the bag by creating strong air flow through the holder. This accelerated drying process prevents recontamination by quickly removing moisture that would otherwise serve as a medium for bacterial growth, resolving the time loss issue without excessive complexity.
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 apparatus provides a stable, efficient, and customizable solution for drying bags of different sizes, reducing disposal costs and environmental impact by promoting reuse and faster drying.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for blowing air within the interior of a received open bag
Implementation Method 2
a panel comprising a panel slot with an open first end that is accessible from a first end of the panel... a board comprising a board slot having an open first end accessible from a second end of the board... When the panel and board are interlocked
Data Source
AI summary
A bag drying apparatus. The bag drying apparatus includes a panel having a panel slot with an open first end that is accessible from a first end of the panel. The panel is adapted to couple with a board with a board slot having an open first end accessible from a second end of the board. When the panel and board are interlocked, the bag drying apparatus is configured to receive and to maintain an inverted bag in an open position. In one embodiment, the bag drying apparatus is modular, allowing the selective configuration and customization of panels and boards.