Finger Rest Aligns Applicator Handle and Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid applicators, such as paint applicators, often cause user discomfort and irritation due to misalignment of the handle and head during reattachment after cleaning, leading to improper grip alignment and increased tension during use.

Innovation Solution

A finger rest with a base and aperture is designed to securely attach to the handle of a liquid applicator, ensuring rotational alignment with the head, and featuring a flange and hole configuration for easy attachment and detachment, along with a grip that alleviates discomfort by maintaining proper alignment and providing a comfortable grip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the handle is detached for cleaning and reattached, then the applicator can be maintained and reused, but the handle and head may become misaligned causing user discomfort and irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator usabilityVSAvoidgrip alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The finger rest structure provides self-aligning features including a flange that fits into a recess and a detent mechanism that automatically positions the handle correctly when reattached to the head, eliminating the need for manual alignment by the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The finger rest acts as an intermediary component between the handle and head, providing alignment features such as a flange and detent that ensure proper rotational alignment without requiring direct user intervention to match markings or positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the handle is securely attached to the head, then the applicator functions properly, but user hand tension and irritation increase during prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle attachment securityVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The finger rest provides localized ergonomic features including a contoured grip surface and finger positioning elements that specifically address the user's hand contact area, distributing pressure and reducing tension without compromising the secure attachment of the handle to the head

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The finger rest changes the ergonomic parameters of the handle by providing optimal finger placement geometry and grip surface characteristics, transforming the interaction between user hand and applicator to reduce muscular tension while maintaining attachment security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3288686B1Finger rest for a liquid applicator

Publication Date: 2022.06.29 WAGNER SPRAY TECH CORP

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AI summary

A finger rest (102) for a liquid applicator (100) is presented. The finger rest (102) comprises a base (104). The finger rest (102) also comprises an aperture configured to receive a handle (110) of the liquid applicator (100). The base (104) is configured to rotationally align with a head (108) of the liquid applicator (100) at a junction.