Sliding Arm Bag Holder for Compact Food Scrap Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation systems fail to efficiently collect food scraps while optimizing space utilization, often requiring complex structures that take up too much space during use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A food preparation system with an adjustable arm assembly that can extend from a cutting board to hold a bag open, allowing food scraps to be collected efficiently and then returned to a storage position for compact storage, featuring a locking mechanism and hinging elements for easy transition between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex frame structure with sliding bins or attached bags is used for food scrap collection, then food scrap collection capability is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is divided into two separate arms (first arm and second arm) that can independently move and position. This segmentation allows each arm to be controlled separately to properly position and secure the bag, providing more flexible and adaptable food scrap collection capability while maintaining a simpler overall structure compared to complex frame systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly incorporates movable arms with actuators that can dynamically adjust their positions to extend outward for bag engagement and retract inward for compact storage. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between two states: extended position for food scrap collection and retracted position for minimal space occupation, resolving the contradiction between collection capability and space usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elevated station with footings over a wastebasket and apertures in the cutting board is used, then food scrap collection is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly can dynamically extend outward from the base to engage and position bags for food scrap collection, then retract inward to a compact storage position against the side portion of the base. This dynamic movement allows the system to provide efficient food scrap collection when needed while minimizing space occupation during storage, eliminating the need for permanently elevated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of elevating the entire station structure vertically over a wastebasket, the invention uses arms that extend horizontally from the base to engage bags. This dimensional change allows food scrap collection functionality to be added without increasing the vertical profile or requiring elevated footings, thus reducing overall space requirements.
3Reliability
If clothes pins and screw boards are used to hold the bag in place, then bag securing is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm assembly automatically positions and secures the bag through its own movement and actuation mechanisms. The arms work together to engage the bag and hold it in place, eliminating the need for separate securing devices like clothes pins or screw boards. The system serves itself by using the arm positioning mechanism to both position and secure the bag, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved food preparation system includes a base with a top portion, side portion and bottom portion. Attached to the side portion is an arm assembly, which in one embodiment includes a first and second arm. The base includes a channel, the arm assembly connected thereto and slidable therein. Based on sliding within the channel, the arm assembly is adjustable between a storage position and an open position. The system includes a hinging element connecting the arm assembly to the base and a locking mechanism locking the arm assembly in the extended position. While in the extended position, the dual-arm assembly can transition between an engaged position and a disengaged position. While in the extended position, a bag is held open by the arms of the arm assembly for receiving food scraps. During non-use, the bag is removed, the arm assembly is returned to the closed position.