Flexible Transfer Bag Locking Mechanism for Hygienic Waste Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for collecting soiled objects suffer from fouling of the chamber wall surfaces due to direct and indirect contamination, and the removal of fouled transfer bags is difficult, compromising hygiene and cleanliness.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a flexible transfer bag attached to a rigid collar that can be easily locked and unlocked, with a conical collar design allowing for reliable operation and automatic sealing of the chamber, and an auxiliary bag that maintains hygiene by preventing fouling and simplifying the exchange of the transfer bag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transfer bag is locked in the chamber by a radially outwardly pretensioned locking ring, then the transfer bag is securely held in place, but the removal of the transfer bag becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding of transfer bagVSAvoidremoval of transfer bag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to be radially compressed for easy insertion and removal, while maintaining radial outward tension to securely hold the transfer bag in place during operation. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction between secure holding and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the chamber wall is directly exposed to the transfer bag opening, then the transfer bag can be easily inserted and removed, but the chamber wall becomes fouled directly and indirectly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion and removal of transfer bagVSAvoidfouling of chamber wall

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A collar is introduced as an intermediary component between the chamber wall and the transfer bag opening. The collar serves as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the transfer bag and chamber wall, thereby preventing fouling while still allowing the transfer bag to be inserted and removed through the opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar is designed as a flexible component that can be radially compressed for insertion and removal, while in its expanded state it forms a protective barrier against fouling. The flexible nature allows it to accommodate the insertion/removal operations while maintaining its protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If cleaning is carried out less frequently for economic reasons, then operational costs are reduced, but hygiene standards deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational cost reductionVSAvoidhygiene degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is designed as a disposable component that can be easily removed and replaced. By making the collar disposable rather than requiring thorough cleaning and sterilization, the system allows for less frequent cleaning cycles while maintaining hygiene standards, as each new collar starts in a clean state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The solution effectively prevents fouling of the chamber walls, facilitates easy cleaning and exchange of the transfer bag, and maintains hygiene by ensuring the expel body remains disconnected from the transfer bag, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and improving operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a radially outwardly pretensioned locking ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the collar being provided with cuts or slits which are evenly divided around the terminal edge of the collar that is turned away from the collar neck portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2830976B1Device for collecting soiled objects

Publication Date: 2021.01.13 SANALIFE

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AI summary

A device for collecting soiled objects, such as used diapers, comprising a collecting container (1) closable by a cover (2) having a cover section (6) with a tubular chamber (7) open at one end providing an inlet/outlet opening (8), said cover section (6) being movable between a first position, in which an object may be deposited from the outside through said opening (8) into said chamber (7), and a second position, in which said object may drop through said opening (8) into the collecting container (1) and a transfer bag (12) of a flexible material removably mounted within said chamber (7), said bag (12) being open at one end and having a bottom cooperating with an expel body (11d) at the opposite end, wherein the collar (12b) of the transfer bag (12) is attached to said opening (8) by a locking ring (13).