Spring-Loaded Bag Retention for Folded Trash Bags on Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag retaining systems for bags hanging on bars, such as those used in grocery stores, are inadequate for large and long bags, particularly those used for trash collection, as they fail to maintain the bags in a folded state, leading to potential contamination and interference with open bags.
Innovation Solution
A bag retaining device that secures to the rear area of the bars, engaging with the bag's top, sides, and bottom to prevent accidental unfolding, allowing bags to be held in place until opened by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If bags are made long and large for trash collection, then they can accommodate more trash, but they will unfold and extend toward the counter interfering with open bags
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies preliminary counteracting force to prevent the harmful effect of bag unfolding. The spring-loaded arms engage with the bags before they can unfold and interfere with open bags, creating a restraining force that opposes the natural tendency of the bags to extend downward
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary action by automatically engaging and folding the bags as they are deposited onto the bar. The spring mechanism is pre-positioned to immediately capture and fold the bags, preventing them from extending toward the counter before the user can access the open bag
2Volume of moving object
If bags are made long and large for trash collection, then they can hold more waste, but they become prone to contamination from the counter area
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies preliminary counteracting force to prevent the harmful effect of bag contamination. By maintaining bags in a folded, elevated position away from the counter surface, the device prevents contact with contaminants before they can occur
3Ease of operation
If short bags like t-shirt bags are used, then they don't interfere with open bags, but they cannot be used for large trash collection
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables parameter changes by allowing the same bag system to accommodate both short bags and long bags. The spring-loaded arms can adjust to different bag lengths and sizes, providing the restraining force needed for long trash bags while remaining compatible with shorter grocery bags
4Ease of operation
If bags are secured at the top area only, then they can be easily loaded onto bars, but they lack support to stay folded at the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies restraining force at a different spatial dimension - instead of only securing bags at the top, the spring-loaded arms engage with the bottom portion of the bags, providing stability in the vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates, in general, to a bag retaining device for use with bags that hang on bars in order to keep them orderly, clean, and to help control the bag flow for the user. These bag retaining devices apply to all bags that hang on bars by using the bag's mounting holes and have a focus on bags that are very long and wide with folds that allow the bag to become smaller for storing the bag on bars until use. The bags can be very heavy and thick and be difficult to work with. This invention will allow bags that are used for trash to stay elevated and not make contact with dirty floors or surfaces while hanging on the bars, until the user is ready. The user will be able to load these large bags onto the bars and secure the bags until ready for use.