Ergonomic Integral Handle with Semi-Enclosed Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integral handles, particularly non-through handles, lack ergonomic design, leading to discomfort and strain on the user's hand and wrist, while also presenting manufacturing and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A molded article with a holding means featuring a rounded cross-section, a radius greater than 7.5 mm, a width between 50 mm and 60 mm, and a top surface extending at an angle of at least 50°, forming a semi-enclosed recess that allows comfortable gripping and transition from pick-up to grip position without creating pressure points, enabling rotation while minimizing strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a non-through handle is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ergonomics deteriorate causing hand and wrist strain
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates a rounded cross-section with a radius r greater than 7.5 mm, creating a semi-enclosed recess that conforms to the natural curvature of human fingers. This curved geometry allows comfortable gripping without requiring the complex through-handle structure, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise dimensional parameters: width w between 50-60 mm, radius r > 7.5 mm, and top surface angle a ≥ 50°. These parameter optimizations create an ergonomic profile that distributes pressure evenly across fingers, solving the ergonomics problem while keeping the handle as a simple non-through integral structure.
2Ease of operation
If hooks are generated to improve grip, then gripping capability is enhanced, but wrist strain increases and production line problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sharp hooks that concentrate force and cause wrist strain, the patent employs a rounded cross-section with radius r > 7.5 mm. This curved geometry naturally guides fingers into a comfortable grip position while distributing mechanical stress across broader contact areas, eliminating the harmful wrist strain associated with hook designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third dimension by creating a semi-enclosed recess through the rounded cross-section geometry. This recessed volume allows fingers to nestle comfortably within the handle contour, providing ergonomic support without requiring the aggressive hook geometry that causes wrist strain and production line entanglement.
3Ease of operation
If a through handle is used, then ergonomics are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded cross-section with radius r > 7.5 mm creates a semi-enclosed recess that provides through-handle-like ergonomic benefits. This curved geometry allows fingers to wrap around and find natural resting positions, achieving comparable ergonomics to through handles while maintaining the simpler non-through integral structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing specific parameters (width 50-60 mm, radius > 7.5 mm, angle ≥ 50°), the patent achieves ergonomic performance comparable to through handles. These parameter adjustments transform the simple non-through structure into an ergonomically superior handle without adding manufacturing complexity or requiring post-molding operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a molded article with a body having a top and a bottom; an opening proximal to the top; and a handle integrally located on at least one side of the body and positioned between the top and the bottom. The handle having at least one innermost surface, one external surface and at least one transition surface positioned between the innermost surface and the external surface, the handle forming at least one semi-enclosed recess positioned between the external surface and the body.