Manual Applicator Handle Orientation Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual desktop applicators for films struggle to adapt to different user preferences in grip orientation, particularly between right-handed and left-handed users, leading to increased size and material costs without sufficient versatility.

Innovation Solution

A manual applicator design featuring a C-shaped handle with two section planes allowing orientation adjustment, a honeycomb structure for flexibility, and a combination of rigid and flexible materials for secure fixation and comfort, enabling easy adaptation to various grip angles and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the case is adapted to accommodate multiple grip orientations for right-handed and left-handed users, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip orientation adaptabilityVSAvoidcase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is made pivotable relative to the case, allowing it to rotate between a first orientation and a second orientation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the applicator to adapt to different user grip preferences without requiring multiple fixed-case designs, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is designed with universal adaptability to work with both right-handed and left-handed users through its ability to assume multiple orientations. A single case design with a pivotable handle serves multiple functions and user types, avoiding the need for multiple specialized case variants

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the case is adapted to accommodate multiple grip orientations for right-handed and left-handed users, then the adaptability is improved, but the material cost increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip orientation adaptabilityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable handle mechanism allows a single case design to serve multiple grip orientations, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple case variants for different user preferences. This dynamic solution reduces material costs by standardizing the case while providing adaptability through the movable handle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator is divided into separate functional components: a fixed case and a movable handle. This segmentation allows the case to be manufactured once in a standardized design, while the handle provides the adaptability function, thereby reducing overall material costs while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a C-shaped handle with pivotable orientation is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip comfortVSAvoidhandle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The C-shaped handle is designed to pivot between orientations, providing ergonomic adaptability for different user preferences. This dynamic capability enhances ease of operation by allowing users to select their preferred grip angle, while the pivot mechanism itself remains a relatively simple mechanical feature

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle incorporates a flexible element that allows it to bend or pivot between orientations. This flexibility enables the handle to adapt to different grip positions while maintaining structural integrity, improving ease of operation without requiring complex mechanical assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design allows for easy adaptation to different user grips while maintaining a compact size and reducing material costs, providing a comfortable and secure grip for both right-handed and left-handed users.

Implementation Method 1

the handle may comprise a honeycomb part interposed between said inner contour and an outer contour of the handle intended to offer a grip to a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCellular structure flexibility:

Implementation Method 2

The greater rigidity of the first material allows the elastic deformation of the inner contour to exert sufficient pressure on the outer contour of the box to ensure its proper fixation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The friction of the outer face of the carrier tape against the substrate exerts a traction on the carrier tape between the endpiece 6 and the supply reel 4 causing the progressive unwinding of the carrier tape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3024667B1Manual applicator
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 SOCIETE BIC SA
  • EP3024667B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3B
  • EP3024667B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D
  • EP3024667B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7B

AI summary

The invention relates to the field of manual applicators, particularly a manual applicator (1) for applying a material onto a substrate such as a sheet of paper. Said manual applicator (1) includes: a housing (3); an application tip (6) projecting beyond a front opening (7) of the housing (3); and a C-shaped handle (8). The housing (3) has, in a first cutaway and at least one second cutaway different from and not parallel to the first cutaway, a single outer contour (10) capable of being placed, via pressure, into an inner contour (9) of the handle (8), thus making it possible to attach the handle (8) in a first orientation and, alternately, in at least one second orientation different from the first orientation. The handle (8) is oriented in the first orientation in the first cutaway, and in the second orientation in the second cutaway. Said first and second cutaways are substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis (Z) of the housing (3).