Deodorant Case Handle Worm Drive Torque Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with limited dexterity face difficulties in accessing and using common deodorant cases due to the fine motor skills required to rotate the lower portion and dispense deodorant, which is beyond their capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A personal hygiene assist system with a container and handle that includes a worm drive mechanism to transmit increased torque to the deodorant case's activation mechanism, allowing users to easily expose and access the deodorant, featuring a handle larger than the activation mechanism and an engaging mechanism that couples to the handle to facilitate rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard deodorant case activation mechanism is used, then the device structure remains simple, but it becomes difficult for persons with limited dexterity to operate
Solution Approach 1:
An engaging mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handle and the deodorant case activation mechanism. This engaging mechanism includes a worm drive that translates the rotational motion of the handle into rotational motion of the activation mechanism, providing mechanical advantage and making it easier for persons with limited dexterity to operate the deodorant case.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a mechanical transmission dimension by introducing a worm drive mechanism. Instead of directly rotating the activation mechanism, the user rotates the handle which connects to the worm drive, converting the rotation into motion that drives the activation mechanism through the worm gear engagement.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is made larger to improve grip, then ease of operation improves, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deodorant case is nested within the container, and the activation mechanism is integrated into the deodorant case structure. The engaging mechanism is positioned within the container, coupling the handle to the activation mechanism. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall device volume while still providing a larger handle for improved grip and operation.
3Force
If the engaging mechanism transmits increased torque, then the ability to rotate the activation mechanism improves, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The worm drive mechanism replaces a direct mechanical connection between the handle and activation mechanism. The worm gear engagement provides inherent mechanical advantage and torque multiplication, allowing the user to apply less force while still achieving the necessary torque to rotate the activation mechanism. The self-locking nature of the worm drive also provides operational reliability.
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
Enables impaired users to easily access and use deodorant by providing a mechanism that transmits sufficient torque to rotate the deodorant case's activation mechanism, making it easier for those with manual dexterity issues to dispense deodorant.
Implementation Method 1
The engaging mechanism comprises a worm drive. The worm drive may include a worm and a worm gear. The worm may be coupled to the handle and engages, during use, the worm gear. In some embodiments, the handle rotates the worm which rotates the worm gear which rotates the activation mechanism of the deodorant case
Implementation Method 2
The engaging mechanism transmits increased torque to the activation mechanism of the deodorant case relative to torque applied to the handle
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a personal hygiene assist system may assist an impaired user in using deodorant. The system may include a container comprising an opening on an upper first side, opposite to a lower second side. The opening may include a substantially oblong shape configured to hold at least a lower portion of a deodorant case. The lower portion of the deodorant case may include an activation mechanism which upon rotation exposes additional deodorant positioned in the deodorant case. In some embodiments, the system may include a handle coupled to a third side coupling the first and second sides. In some embodiments, the system may include an engaging mechanism positioned in the container and coupled to the handle. When the handle is rotated the engaging mechanism may engage and rotate the activation mechanism of the deodorant exposing additional deodorant positioned in the deodorant case.