Deployable handle devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household and bathing environments often lack aesthetically pleasing safety handles that can be easily deployed when needed, especially for elderly or disabled individuals, and there is a need for emergency contact capabilities in such settings.
Innovation Solution
A deployable handle device with a stowable configuration that integrates into walls, featuring a handle that can be pivoted between stowed and deployed positions using a ratchet mechanism, and includes an emergency contact button for alerting services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a handle is permanently mounted on the wall for safety, then safety is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to disruption of the wall surface
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be dynamically deployable rather than statically fixed. It can be deployed when needed for safety and retracted when not in use to maintain aesthetic appearance. The handle pivots between a retracted position (flush with wall) and a deployed position (protruding for grasping), allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is nested within a handle housing that is positioned in the wall. When retracted, the handle is substantially flush with the surrounding wall surface, effectively hiding within the wall structure. The handle arm and pawl mechanism are contained within the housing, allowing the handle to be stored inside the wall cavity when not in use.
2Shape
If a deployable handle mechanism is implemented, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the handle arm for user interaction, the pawl for locking control, the ratchet for one-way movement restriction, and the linkage for actuation. Each component has a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall design while maintaining the deployable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet and pawl mechanism provides automatic locking when the handle is deployed, eliminating the need for additional locking components or complex control systems. The linkage automatically engages the pawl with the ratchet teeth to maintain the deployed position, and the system self-latches without requiring continuous actuation or external control.
3Shape
If the handle is designed to be flush with the wall when stowed, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access to deployment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates a small actuating motion into the deployment of the handle. The actuator (such as a button or lever) can be positioned on the visible face of the housing, allowing easy access for deployment while the handle itself remains flush with the wall when retracted. The linkage transmits the actuation force to move the handle arm from the retracted to the deployed position.
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
Provides enhanced safety and aesthetic appeal by allowing handles to be deployed as needed while maintaining a flush appearance, and offers emergency contact capabilities for assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet mounted within the housing, the ratchet defining teeth biased to, when the pawl is in the first pawl position, allow movement of the pawl in a first direction and restrict movement of the pawl in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
the linkage comprises a first linear cam, the pawl comprises a respective first follower, and movement of the pawl from the first pawl position to the second pawl position is caused by movement of the first follower along the first linear cam
Implementation Method 3
the handle device further comprises a spring connected to the handle housing and configured to bias the handle toward the deployed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Deployable handle devices are disclosed. Examples of handle devices having a handle configured to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, a handle housing, a handle arm, a pawl configured to move independently from the handle arm between a first pawl position and a second pawl position, a ratchet, a linkage configured to move the pawl from the first pawl position to the second pawl position, and an actuator configured to move the linkage from the first linkage position to the second linkage position when actuated.