Reciprocating Blade Bag Clamp with Integrated Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bag clamps are not optimized for efficient and safe opening and resealing of sealed bags, lacking a reliable mechanism for cutting and securing the bag without exposing sharp edges or requiring complex locking systems.

Innovation Solution

A reusable bag clamp design featuring pivotable elongate jaws with a channel and slot configuration, and a cutting mechanism with a bi-directional blade mounted on a guide rod, allowing for safe opening and resealing of bags with a simple and secure locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional clamp with elongate jaws is used to seal a bag, then the bag can be releasably sealed, but the clamp cannot efficiently open sealed bags without exposing sharp edges or requiring complex locking systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening and resealing bagsVSAvoidcomplexity of cutting and locking mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cutting blade and locking mechanism into a single integrated jaw structure. The blade is mounted within the jaw and automatically engages with the bag seal when the jaw closes, eliminating the need for separate cutting and locking actions. This integration simplifies the overall device while maintaining both cutting and sealing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The jaw member serves multiple functions: it provides the cutting edge through the mounted blade, provides the locking action through its engagement with the bag seal, and provides the clamping force to hold the bag sealed. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a cutting blade is added to the clamp to open sealed bags, then bag opening efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase due to exposed sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of opening sealed bagsVSAvoidexposure to sharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is extracted from being a separate, exposed component and is instead mounted within the protective structure of the jaw member. The blade extends only when needed for cutting and is otherwise contained within the jaw, reducing exposure to users while maintaining cutting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade is pre-mounted and positioned within the jaw member before use, ready to automatically engage with the bag seal when the jaw closes. This preliminary positioning ensures the blade is in the correct location for cutting without requiring user manipulation of a separate blade component, reducing safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the clamp in closed configuration, then resealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of bag sealVSAvoidcomplexity of locking system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the jaw structure itself. The jaw member is designed so that when it closes onto the bag seal, its geometry and mounting structure automatically provide the locking action, eliminating the need for a separate locking mechanism while maintaining seal reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 and safe opening of sealed bags while ensuring secure resealing without exposing sharp edges, utilizing a user-friendly locking mechanism and redundant safety features to maintain blade safety.

Implementation Method 1

a blade reciprocatingly mounted on a guide rod disposed within the second elongate jaw member. The blade is movable along a length of the second elongate jaw member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReciprocating motion:

Implementation Method 2

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-apart and a closed configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

There may be a releasable locking mechanism for locking the clamp in the closed configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

The blade may be biased towards the retracted position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10807772B2Reusable bag clamp with reciprocating blade

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 RUDDELL GREGORY ROY

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 the second jaw member a blade reciprocatingly mounted therein. 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 opening in the first jaw member is aligned with the blade of the second jaw member.