Ergonomic Arrest Button for One-Handed Water Flow Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gardeners face the challenge of needing to use two hands to lock watering equipment in an 'on' state, making the operation cumbersome and less enjoyable.
Innovation Solution
A water application device with a locking assembly that allows the user to lock and unlock the operable member with one hand, using a locking member positioned ergonomically on the trigger, enabling easy operation with the index finger without sacrificing grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking assembly is added to water application equipment, then the device can be locked in an 'on' state without maintaining pressure on the trigger, but the device complexity increases and requires two hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrated directly into the trigger assembly, merging the locking function with the existing operable member. This combination allows the locking mechanism to be activated through the same hand that operates the trigger, eliminating the need for a separate locking action with the other hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger assembly serves multiple functions: it controls water flow activation and simultaneously provides locking capability. The locking member integrated into the trigger allows a single component to perform both operational control and safety locking functions.
2Reliability
If a locking assembly requiring two hands is used, then the device can be locked securely, but the operation becomes more cumbersome and less enjoyable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the natural motion of the trigger. When the user releases the trigger after activation, the locking member automatically engages to maintain the on state, providing secure locking without requiring additional manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed with dynamic engagement characteristics, allowing it to automatically lock when the trigger is released. The mechanism transitions from an active locking state during trigger depression to an automatic locked state upon release, providing secure locking through dynamic motion rather than static positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the locking member is positioned ergonomically on the trigger, then one-handed control is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented as a distinct locking member within the trigger assembly, allowing it to be positioned ergonomically on the trigger surface. This segmentation enables the locking member to be actuated by the index finger independently while maintaining the integrated trigger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the user's finger and the trigger mechanism. Positioned on the trigger surface, it mediates the locking action by translating finger pressure into the engagement or disengagement of the locking state.
Data Source
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AI summary
A water application device (10, 100) may include a main body (20, 110) graspable along a handle portion thereof by an operator and an operable member (30, 140). The main body (20, 110) may house a flow control assembly (50) configured to enable the device to execute a control function relative to flow of water through the device. The operable member (30, 140) may be attachable to the main body (20, 110) to interface with the flow control assembly (50) to alternately provide flow and stop flow based on a position of the operable member (30, 140). The operable member (30, 140) may have a length extending substantially parallel to an axis of the handle portion. The operable member (30, 140) may interface with a locking member (144) disposed at a first surface of the operable member (30, 140). The first surface may face away from the main body (20, 110). The locking member (144) may be configured to enable the operator to lock the operable member (30, 140) in a flow provision state based on positioning the locking member (144) in a locked state. The locking member (144) may be configured to move between the locked state and an unlocked state via movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis (118) of the handle portion (22, 119).