Shopping Bag Hooks with Variable Width Insertion Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shopping bags lack versatility in accommodating shopping trolleys with varying wall thicknesses, leading to insecure fitting and potential slippage, as they are not designed to adapt to different trolley materials and designs.

Innovation Solution

The shopping bag features adjustable hooks with multiple insertion cross-sections of varying widths, allowing secure attachment to trolleys with different wall thicknesses, and includes coupling elements for secure closure and easy handling, with hooks and rails designed as one piece for stability and economical production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single, wide insertion cross-section is used for all wall thicknesses, then the bag can accommodate thicker walls, but the fit becomes insecure and the hook may slip out with thinner walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different wall thicknessesVSAvoidsecure fit of the pocket on the shopping trolley
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is designed with a dynamic insertion cross-section that changes width along its length, featuring multiple graduated widths (narrower and wider sections) that can adapt to different wall thicknesses. This dynamic variation in geometry allows the same hook structure to securely fit both thin-wired and thick-plastic trolley walls without slipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the hook's insertion cross-section have different local qualities (widths) to match different trolley wall thicknesses. The hook features a narrower insertion cross-section for thin walls and a wider insertion cross-section for thick walls, with each section optimized for its specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the hooks are pushed further over the wall with narrower insertion cross-sections, then the fit is secure for thin walls, but the bag cannot accommodate thicker walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fit for thin-walled trolleysVSAvoidcompatibility with thick-walled trolleys
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hook's insertion cross-section is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, with multiple graduated widths along its length. This allows the hook to accommodate both thin and thick walls by utilizing the appropriate section of the graduated width, eliminating the need to choose between secure fit for thin walls and compatibility with thick walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the hooks and rails are designed as one piece, then production is more economical and stability increases, but the complexity of the single component increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction cost efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of the integrated hook-rail component
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook and rail are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate parts and assembly steps. This union of components simplifies manufacturing and reduces production costs while maintaining the functional stability of both elements working together as one stable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2078471B1Purchase bag
Publication Date: 2014.04.30 ACHILLES DIETER
  • EP2078471B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2078471B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A shopping bag with base (4) has paired opposite-facing walls (2,3) and a top opening (5), where at least one receiving compartment (6) is provided for entering goods through the opening (5) with at least one carrying handle (7) for manually supporting the bag, as well as hooks (12), for hanging the bag in a supermarket shopping trolley. The hooks (12) have, with their adjacent wall sections, different widths of lateral insertion sections for accommodating different widths of trolley walls.