Nagpur Professor's Patented Household Innovation Gains Spotlight at Advantage Vidarbha
Associate professor Prerana Ramesh Ratnaparkhi from Nagpur has brought a rare distinction to the humanities field as her patented household innovation was showcased at the Advantage Vidarbha event. This presentation marks a significant milestone for applied research emerging from Home Economics, demonstrating its practical impact beyond academic circles.
Revolutionizing Grocery Shopping with a Wheeled Bag Design
Ratnaparkhi, an associate professor of Home Economics at CP & Berar College, secured an Indian design patent for her innovative folding shopping bag with wheels. This creation represents a thoughtful blend of research, social utility, and sustainability principles. The design patent was officially registered on July 12, 2022, and subsequently granted on April 20, 2023, validating its novelty and practical application.
The product directly addresses a common yet frequently overlooked household challenge – the physical strain experienced during grocery shopping trips. By incorporating integrated wheels, a sturdy handle, and a foldable structure, the bag enables users to roll heavy groceries rather than carrying them, significantly reducing physical exertion.
Smart Design Features for Practical Use
The innovation includes several intelligent organizational features that enhance its functionality:
- Corner pockets specifically designed for fruits and vegetables
- A large central compartment for bulky items
- A structure that helps prevent damage to produce during transport
- Reduced post-shopping sorting time through organized storage
These design elements work together to create a more efficient and less physically demanding shopping experience for users of all ages and abilities.
Academic Research Translated into Practical Solutions
This innovation reflects Ratnaparkhi's broader research philosophy of translating academic knowledge into practical, user-centric solutions. With over 21 years of teaching and research experience, she has secured multiple Indian design patents focused on various aspects of household efficiency, including:
- Childcare support systems
- Hygiene management solutions
- Sustainable living products
- Household efficiency tools
Her work demonstrates how humanities and Home Economics can generate patent-worthy, scalable innovations with direct social impact, challenging the notion that significant inventions only emerge from engineering and technology disciplines.
Redefining Innovation Beyond Traditional Domains
The presentation at Advantage Vidarbha drew considerable attention for its demonstration of innovation beyond conventional engineering and technology domains. Experts noted that such research-driven household products have significant potential to:
- Reduce physical burden, particularly for women, senior citizens, and working families
- Promote reusable alternatives to single-use plastics
- Create practical solutions for everyday challenges
- Expand participation in India's innovation ecosystem
By showcasing this patented design, Advantage Vidarbha underlined the region's growing contribution to inclusive and socially relevant innovation. This presentation opens new pathways for researchers from non-technical disciplines to participate actively in India's innovation and intellectual property ecosystem, demonstrating that valuable patents can emerge from diverse academic backgrounds.
The recognition of Ratnaparkhi's work represents an important step toward broadening our understanding of what constitutes meaningful innovation and who can contribute to India's growing portfolio of intellectual property.
