Self-Closing Pouch With Neck-Integrated Resilient Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-closing pouches require two hands to open and access small parts, and those with neoprene/rubber closures need a deeper configuration to maintain sealing, which can be inconvenient for workers.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing utility bag design with a pouch top opening, a neck portion, and resilient strips that allow one-handed access and maintain closure, featuring a self-closing mechanism recessed from the top opening and a secondary opening for easy hand access, preventing small parts from falling out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a self-closing mechanism with resilient strips is positioned at the top opening, then the pouch can be opened with one hand, but the pouch requires a deeper configuration to accommodate the closure mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The self-closing mechanism is repositioned from the top opening to the neck portion of the pouch, utilizing the vertical space in a different dimensional arrangement. This allows the resilient strips to be accommodated within the neck portion's depth rather than requiring additional depth from the top opening, effectively solving the space constraint problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch is divided into distinct portions: upper pouch portion, lower pouch portion, and neck portion. The self-closing mechanism is specifically placed in the neck portion, separating the closure function from the storage portions. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function.
2Ease of operation
If the self-closing mechanism is recessed from the top opening, then one-handed access is enabled, but the opening size for hand passage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch opening system is segmented into two functional areas: the pouch top opening for hand passage and the neck portion for the self-closing mechanism. This segmentation allows the top opening to maintain its full size for easy hand access while the self-closing mechanism operates independently in the recessed neck portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck portion acts as an intermediary structure between the top opening and the lower pouch portion. It provides a recessed space that houses the self-closing mechanism while allowing the top opening to remain large and unobstructed for hand passage.
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 one-handed opening and access to the internal space while maintaining closure, preventing accidental loss of small parts, even when the pouch is turned upside down or horizontal.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second resilient strips maintain the pouch at or adjacent the neck portion in a closed orientation but have a resilient spring action that allows intrusive access to the internal volume/space while returning to the closed orientation when the intrusive access is removed.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-closing utility bag for holding small articles includes a pouch with an upper pouch portion, a lower pouch portion, a neck portion between the upper and lower pouch portions, a top opening that is maintained in a partially open orientation, and a self-closing mechanism. The self-closing mechanism includes a first resilient strip disposed parallel to a pouch top opening at a location either adjacent the neck portion in the upper pouch portion but spaced from the pouch top opening or at the neck portion, and a second resilient strip disposed opposite the first resilient strip where the first and second resilient strips maintain the pouch in a closed orientation but having a resilient spring action that allows intruding access to an inside of the lower portion while returning to the closed orientation when the intruding access is removed.