Reciprocating Blade Bag Clamp with Elastomeric Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag clamps are limited in their ability to efficiently open sealed bags and then reseal them in a reliable manner, lacking versatility and ease of use for bags of varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A bag clamp design featuring pivotably connected elongate jaw members with a hinge and a locking mechanism, including a channel or slot configuration and a cutting mechanism with a pivotable bi-directional blade, allowing for angular spacing and alignment to open and reseal bags, with an elastomeric bearing in the hinge for accommodating different bag thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional clamp with elongate jaws is used to seal a bag, then the bag can be reliably sealed, but the clamp cannot efficiently open sealed bags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and cutting function into a single clamp device. The elongate jaws are equipped with both a locking mechanism for sealing and a reciprocating blade for cutting sealed bags, allowing one tool to perform multiple operations that previously required separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed as a multi-functional device that can both seal open-mouthed bags and open sealed bags. The inclusion of the reciprocating cutting blade alongside the locking mechanism enables the same device to perform both sealing and opening operations on different types of bags
2Adaptability or versatility
If the jaw members are rigidly connected, then the locking mechanism provides strong sealing force, but the clamp cannot accommodate bags of varying thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connecting the elongate jaws includes an elastomeric bearing that allows for dynamic adjustment and movement. This enables the jaw members to adapt their position and pressure distribution to accommodate bags of different thicknesses while maintaining reliable sealing through the locking mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cutting mechanism is added to the clamp, then sealed bags can be opened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting mechanism is integrated into the existing clamp structure rather than being a separate device. The reciprocating blade is housed within the elongate jaws and operated through the same clamping action, merging the cutting function with the sealing mechanism to minimize overall device 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
Enables efficient opening and resealing of bags by aligning and locking the jaw members, facilitating access and secure closure, while the elastomeric bearing accommodates bags of varying thicknesses, ensuring effective sealing and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge may include a pivot pin provided with an elastomeric bearing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved bag clamp comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member has an opening in a clamping surface thereof and there is a blade reciprocatingly movable along the second jaw member. A hinge couples the first jaw member and the second jaw member. The clamp is moveable between an open configuration in which the first jaw member and second jaw member are angularly spaced and a closed configuration in which the blade is received by the opening in the first jaw member and the blade is moveable along the second jaw member.