Adjustable Handle Assembly for Supersonic Air Knife

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional supersonic air knife handles are inadequate due to elevated temperatures from compressed air, leading to thermal issues, slippage, and poor design quality, which results in discomfort and reduced functionality, especially in extreme environments.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable grasping handle assembly with metal clasping elements featuring flat gripping surfaces and a pivot pin, allowing for secure engagement and force multiplication, along with a threaded element for easy adjustment and protection against overloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional handles are used with supersonic air knives, then the structure is simple, but thermal issues and slippage occur due to elevated temperatures from compressed air

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle temperatureVSAvoidgrip security

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into multiple segments including a thermal insulator, an intermediate layer, and a gripping portion. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function: the thermal insulator blocks heat, the intermediate layer provides structural support, and the gripping portion ensures secure hold, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature management and grip security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly uses composite material structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The thermal insulator material resists heat from compressed air, while the gripping portion material provides friction for secure hold. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of thermal protection and grip security that single materials cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed handle designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to various barrel shapes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with barrel shapesVSAvoidhandle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly incorporates adjustable elements that allow the structure to adapt dynamically to different barrel shapes and sizes. The clasping elements can be positioned at different locations and angles, enabling the same handle design to accommodate various barrel geometries without requiring multiple specialized designs, thus achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly is designed as a universal component that can be applied to multiple types of barrels with different shapes and sizes. By incorporating adjustable clasping mechanisms and modular components, a single handle design serves multiple functions across different applications, achieving versatility while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional handle materials are used, then cost is low, but comfort and functionality are reduced in extreme environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the handle assembly use materials and structures optimized for their specific functional requirements. The gripping portion uses materials with high friction coefficients for comfort, while the thermal insulator uses materials with low thermal conductivity. This localized optimization provides superior ergonomics and functionality in extreme environments without requiring complex manufacturing across the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 handle assembly provides a cost-effective, efficient, and ergonomic solution that enhances grip security and comfort by distributing force effectively, preventing slippage and accommodating various barrel shapes while withstanding rigorous conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded element engaging the pair of clasping elements configured to draw the clasping elements together around the barrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

a pivot pin coupling the two clasping elements together on one side of the centerline of the barrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

each clasping element having two gripping surfaces configured to engage the barrel at a point of engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10603780B2Adjustable handle assembly

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 HURSEN THOMAS FRANCIS

AI summary

An adjustable grasping handle which may be used, for example with a supersonic air knife having a compressor and a barrel and nozzle, wherein the adjustable grasping handle assembly forms a barrel handle comprising i) a pair of clasping elements, each clasping element having two gripping surfaces configured to engage the barrel at a point of engagement, with one point of engagement on each side of a first centerline of the barrel; ii) a pivot pin coupling the two clasping elements together on one side of the centerline of the barrel; and iii) A handle with a threaded element engaging the pair of clasping elements configured to draw the clasping elements together around the barrel.