Elastic Hand Loop for Adjustable Grip Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand holding devices for stick handles, such as ski poles and Nordic walking sticks, are limited in their ability to accommodate both lateral and overhead gripping positions, particularly due to the short distance between the holding mandrel and the hand holding device, making it difficult for users to switch between grip positions effectively on varying terrain.

Innovation Solution

A hand holding device with an elastic strip that self-locks onto the stick handle, allowing for adjustable length and comfortable gripping from both lateral and overhead positions, featuring a first elastic strip on the outer surface and a non-elastic strip on the palm side, along with a second strip connecting the thumb and fingers, enabling efficient grip changes based on terrain or movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hand holding device with fixed length is used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot effectively switch between lateral and overhead grip positions on varying terrain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip position adaptabilityVSAvoidhand holding device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hand holding device incorporates an elastic strip that can dynamically change its length and configuration. The elastic strip includes a first region that can be extended or compressed, allowing the device to adapt between lateral and overhead grip positions. This dynamic flexibility enables the coupling element to maintain proper positioning relative to the user's hand regardless of the gripping orientation, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the strip's elasticity and length. By incorporating an elastic strip with a first region that can change its length, the device allows the distance between the coupling element and the hand to be adjusted. This parameter change enables the same device to function effectively in both lateral and overhead grip positions, achieving versatility without requiring multiple separate devices or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the distance between the holding mandrel and hand holding device is reduced, then the attachment is secure, but the user experiences discomfort when gripping from overhead positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidoverhead grip comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic strip provides a dynamic solution that maintains secure attachment while accommodating overhead grip positions. When the user grips from above, the elastic strip can extend or reconfigure, increasing the effective distance between the coupling element and the hand. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the attachment remains secure during lateral grips while providing sufficient flexibility and comfort for overhead positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between attachment security and operational comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If an elastic strip is added to allow grip position changes, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip position flexibilityVSAvoidstrip configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic strip is designed with differentiated local qualities: a first region with elastic properties for adaptability, and potentially a second region with different characteristics for structural support. This local differentiation allows the strip to provide the necessary flexibility for grip position changes while maintaining overall structural integrity. By concentrating the elastic properties in specific regions rather than throughout the entire strip, the design achieves adaptability with minimal increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 comfortable and practical gripping from both lateral and overhead positions, distributing load effectively and allowing for easy transition between grip styles without compromising comfort or security, enhancing user experience on different terrains.

Implementation Method 1

the first strip is designed to be elastic at least in some areas. The elasticity of the first strip to which the coupling element is attached allows a user to grip the handle head of the stick from above

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3190920B1Pole handle with handle loop
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 LEKISPORT AG
  • EP3190920B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3190920B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3190920B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a hand-retaining device (70) for securing to a pole handle (1), comprising an insert opening (71) for the hand, a first exit opening (72) for the back of the hand, and a second exit opening (73) for the thumb. The hand-retaining device according to the invention further has a first elastic strip (74) which is led between the thumb and the other fingers and on which a coupling element (79) is provided that can be secured in or on the pole handle in a removable mechanism in a self-latching manner. The invention further relates to a pole handle to which the handle loop according to the invention can be optimally secured.