Undulating Strap Slots for Object Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for carrying multiple objects, such as purses and handbags, often cause objects to fall to the bottom, making them difficult to retrieve, and liquid-filled bottles risk leaking if not kept upright.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising flexible sheets with undulating straps and elastic material, coupled with fasteners and hook-and-loop fasteners, which creates slots for object retention and allows secure attachment to surfaces, ensuring objects remain upright and accessible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple objects are placed into a purse or handbag, then the capacity to carry multiple objects is improved, but the objects fall to the bottom making them difficult to retrieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of objects carriedVSAvoidease of retrieving objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interior of the bag is segmented into multiple compartments using dividers that create separate slots or sections. Each compartment can hold specific objects, preventing them from falling to the bottom and making retrieval easier by knowing exactly where each item is located.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing objects to堆叠 vertically to the bottom, the system uses horizontal dividers and multiple layers to distribute objects across different dimensional planes. This creates accessible zones at various heights and positions, eliminating the need to dig through accumulated objects at the bottom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If bottles filled with liquid are placed in a bag, then the capacity to carry multiple objects is improved, but the bottles may leak if not kept upright

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of objects carriedVSAvoidprevention of liquid leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Specific compartments or slots are designed with upright orientations and specialized structures (such as vertical walls or cradles) that accommodate bottles in an upright position. This localized design ensures that liquid-containing objects maintain their proper orientation while other compartments can be configured differently for non-liquid items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on the bag's overall structure to keep bottles upright, the system inverts the approach by creating individual upright cradles or slots within the bag that actively support bottles in the correct orientation, regardless of how the bag itself is positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If objects are retained in an organized manner with dividers, then the ease of retrieving objects is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of retrieving objectsVSAvoidstructural complexity of holding system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dividers and organizational structures are made from flexible, thin materials that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the bag. These flexible partitions provide effective separation and organization while adding minimal weight and structural complexity compared to rigid dividing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The divider system is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as organizational separators and as structural support elements for the bag. The same components that create compartments also provide reinforcement and shape maintenance, reducing the need for additional complex structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively retains multiple objects in an organized manner, preventing them from falling and ensuring liquid bottles remain upright, enhancing convenience and security during transport.

Implementation Method 1

one or more lengths of elastic material coupled to the front surface of the top sheet of material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

one or more removable coupling means comprising hook and loop fasteners coupled to the back surface of the bottom sheet of material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical adhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11330881B2System for holding multiple objects
Publication Date: 2022.05.17 EATON CHERYL KALISTA
  • US11330881B2 patent drawing
  • US11330881B2 patent drawing
  • US11330881B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for holding multiple objects, the system comprising a sheet of flexible sheet of material having a front surface, a back surface, and a longitudinal axis, one or more undulating straps coupled to the front surface of the sheet of material, each strap having a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheet of material, wherein the undulation creates a plurality of humps and valleys, each hump forming a slot for receiving and retaining an object therein, one or more fasteners for coupling the straps to the sheet material, wherein the fasteners are disposed within the valleys of the undulating straps, and one or more removable coupling means comprising hook and loop fasteners coupled to the back surface of the sheet of material.