Bucket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing buckets with handles extending in the transverse direction require users to twist their hands to securely grip, leading to ergonomic issues and potential health problems, and result in uncontrolled pouring and spilling when emptying.

Innovation Solution

A bucket design with a handle extending in the longitudinal direction that is pivotable in the transverse direction, featuring a closed spout on the front transverse side for improved ergonomics and controlled emptying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the handle extends in the transverse direction and is hinged to the longitudinal sides, then the bucket structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user must twist their hand 90 degrees to grip the handle, causing ergonomic problems and potential health issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle structureVSAvoidcarrying ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle extension direction is inverted from the conventional transverse direction to the longitudinal direction. This inversion allows the user to grip the handle in a natural hand position without twisting, directly resolving the ergonomic problem while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If the spout is designed as an open deformation of the bucket wall at the upper edge, then the bucket structure is simple, but the pouring stream is too strong and wide, making it difficult to control and causing spilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespout structureVSAvoidpouring control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spout is segmented into multiple functional elements: a spout channel for directing flow, a spout lip for stream formation, and a drip tray for catching overflow. This segmentation transforms the simple open deformation into a controlled multi-component structure that manages the pouring stream effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If the bucket has large capacity to meet household needs, then the bucket can hold more contents, but when filled to capacity it becomes very heavy and difficult to carry safely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebucket capacityVSAvoidcarrying safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle orientation is inverted from transverse to longitudinal, positioning it optimally for carrying heavy loads. This allows users to maintain natural hand positions even when carrying full, heavy buckets, improving carrying safety despite large capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3370593B1Bucket

Publication Date: 2021.05.05 CARL FREUDENBERG KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a bucket having a longitudinal direction (1) and a transverse direction (2), having a first extension (3) in the longitudinal direction (1) and a second extension (4) in the transverse direction (2). The first extension (3) is greater than the second extension (4), comprising two longitudinal sides (5, 6), a front transverse side (7), and a rear transverse side (8), and at least one substantially bow-shaped handle (9, 9.1, 9.2). The at least one handle ((, 9.1, 9.2) extends in a longitudinal direction (1) and is pivotable in the traverse direction (2), wherein a spout (12) of the bucket is designed as a self-contained through-hole (13) and is arranged on the front transverse side (7).