Undulating Coupler Handle for Ergonomic Fluid Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually actuated couplers in fluid transport systems have ergonomic issues, as users often hold the fluid conduit instead of the handle, and there is limited space for hands when connecting due to other components, leading to usability and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with a continuous handle of non-constant radius, featuring regions of reduced and greater radius forming undulations, allowing for improved maneuverability and ergonomics, with connecting members extending to reduced radius regions to maximize hand space and prevent obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional handle design is used, then the structure is simple, but users do not hold the handle correctly and there is limited space for hands during connection
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into multiple regions with different radii (first region with first radius, second region with second radius greater than the first, third region with third radius greater than the second), creating distinct zones for different operational needs. This segmentation allows users to grasp the handle at optimal positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the handle have different local qualities in terms of radius and hand clearance. The regions of greater radius provide increased space for hand placement and manipulation, while the regions of reduced radius maintain structural efficiency. This local variation in geometry optimizes the handle for specific operational tasks without unnecessarily complicating the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If the handle has constant radius, then the manufacturing is simple, but users have limited hand placement options and reduced ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The handle circumference is divided into multiple segments with different radii, creating distinct zones for hand placement. This segmentation provides users with multiple ergonomic grip positions while the segmented structure can still be manufactured using standard forming processes, balancing manufacturing simplicity with operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle employs asymmetric geometry with varying radii around its circumference, creating regions of greater and reduced radius. This asymmetric design provides multiple hand placement options and improved ergonomics, while the variation can be achieved through conventional manufacturing methods such as differential forming or machining.
3Strength
If connecting members extend to the widest part of the handle, then structural strength is maximized, but hand space is reduced and operator injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members are positioned in regions of reduced radius rather than at the widest point of the handle. This segmentation of structural support locations allows the handle to maintain sufficient strength at the connection points while preserving hand clearance in the regions of greater radius, thereby reducing the risk of operator injury during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structure exhibits local quality variations where connecting members are strategically placed in regions of reduced radius. This localized structural arrangement provides adequate strength at the connection points while maintaining increased hand space in other regions, thereby reducing operator injury risk without compromising overall structural integrity.
4Ease of operation
If the handle width is concentrated at one end, then alignment during coupling is improved, but overall ergonomics and hand placement flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle width is segmented and distributed across multiple regions rather than concentrated at a single end. Regions of greater radius are positioned to provide alignment assistance during coupling operations, while other regions maintain hand clearance for versatile hand placement. This segmented approach achieves both alignment improvement and ergonomic flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle design utilizes the circumferential dimension around the coupler body to distribute width across multiple regions. By varying the radius in different circumferential positions rather than only along the longitudinal axis, the design achieves alignment functionality in some regions while preserving hand placement flexibility in other regions, effectively using dimensional distribution to resolve the contradiction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupler (1) for a fluid transport system comprising a handle (100) being continuous around the coupler (1), the coupler (1) having a first end (10) and a second end (11), the handle (100) having a non-constant radius with respect to the central longitudinal (L) axis of the coupler (1), the handle comprising a plurality of regions (101) being proximal the first end (10) of the coupler (1), and a plurality of regions (102) being distal the first end (10) of the coupler (1).