Waste Storage Device Hygienic Twisting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste storage devices for nappies require manual twisting of tubing, which can be undesirable due to direct contact and lack of tactile feedback, and have issues with uneven sealing and unclear cutting operations, requiring multiple cassette designs and high rotational resistance.
Innovation Solution
A waste storage device with a rotatable disk and annular gripping diaphragm for easy twisting without direct contact, improved tactile feedback, and a ratchet cutter for secure cutting, along with a guide diaphragm to prevent untwisting, and a cassette design for versatile container formats with low frictional resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual twisting of tubing is used to seal packages, then the sealing function is achieved, but direct contact between user and tubing is required which is undesirable for hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the rotatable disk with gripping diaphragm) that allows the user to twist the cassette without directly touching the tubing. The user grips the external disk rather than the tubing itself, eliminating direct contact while still achieving the twisting action needed for sealing packages.
Solution Approach 2:
The twisting function is segmented into two independent components: the cassette holding the tubing and the external rotatable disk for user operation. This segmentation allows the user interface (disk) to be separated from the processing element (tubing), enabling hygienic operation without direct contact.
2Reliability
If springs are used to hold the package during twisting, then the package is restrained, but tactile feedback to the user is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping diaphragm provides direct tactile feedback to the user during the twisting operation. As the user rotates the disk, the diaphragm's engagement with the package creates observable resistance and movement that gives the user sensory feedback about the sealing process, unlike the indirect feedback from springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping diaphragm is made of flexible material that can deform and engage with the package during twisting. This flexible membrane provides both the restraining force needed to hold the package and the tactile feedback to the user through its mechanical interaction with both the package and the rotating disk.
3Reliability
If the cassette is designed for specific container formats, then it fits well, but multiple cassette designs are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette is designed with universal features that allow it to function in multiple container formats. By incorporating adaptable mounting mechanisms and standardized interfaces, the same cassette design can be used across different container types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized designs while maintaining reliable fit and function.
4Manufacturing precision
If the tubing is twisted manually, then sealing is achieved, but the cutting operation is unclear requiring multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators (such as color-coded markers or transparent sections) on the tubing that become visible during the twisting and cutting operations. These visual cues provide clear feedback to the user about the state of the tubing and the progress of the cutting operation, eliminating uncertainty and the need for multiple attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
A waste storage device includes a container (21) in which a cassette (1) is mounted. Tubing (2) is pulled through the center of the cassette (1) to store packages (35) separated by twists. The cassette (1) is rotated relative to the container (21) to provide the twists between packages (35) by virtue of a rotatable disk (100) and user grip portion (102). The package is gripped against rotation by a gripper diaphragm (120) and is guided towards a wall of the container by a guide diaphragm (122) to prevent untwisting between packages.