Integrated Gripping Structure for Waste Sack Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waste collection methods using flexible bags with separate gripping and closing mechanisms are inefficient, labor-intensive, and prone to manual errors, leading to increased operational time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A support structure with integrated gripping means that controls the open or closed position of the bag's opening, allowing for easier emptying by eliminating the need for manual rope operation and enhancing reliability through a mushroom-type gripper mechanism and cable system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate rope mechanism is used to close the bag opening, then the bag can be closed securely, but the emptying process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure closureVSAvoidemptying process duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gripping mechanism and closing mechanism into a single integrated system. The gripping means that holds the bag opening also serves as the closing means, eliminating the need for separate rope operations. This merger allows the operator to close the bag simply by detaching the gripping mechanism from the truck crane, significantly reducing the time and effort required for bag emptying while maintaining secure closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If manual rope operation is required to open and close the bag, then the mechanism remains simple, but the operator's physical strain increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidoperator effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping mechanism is designed to automatically close the bag opening through its own structural design. When the gripping means is attached to the truck crane, the closing element is automatically positioned to seal the bag opening without requiring manual rope manipulation. This self-service feature eliminates tedious manual operations and reduces physical strain on the operator while maintaining mechanism simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate gripping and closing mechanisms are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping means is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it grips the bag opening for lifting and also serves as the closing mechanism. The closing element is integrated into the gripping structure, allowing a single component to fulfill both gripping and closing roles. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize each function through careful design of the integrated mechanism.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2891616B1Gripping structure for waste collection sack
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 SULO FRANCE
  • EP2891616B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention is a gripping structure (12) for a bin intended for waste collection, which includes a means for fixing a bag (10) (14), a gripping means (18), capable of taking two configurations, a closing member (24), capable of maintaining an opening of the bag, distant from the fixing means, in an open or closed position, and a transmission member (22) linking the gripping means to the closing member, capable of controlling the position of the closing member to the configuration of the gripping means.