Foldable Dispenser Handle Assembly for Self-Application Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Applying pain relief gel to hard-to-reach areas, such as a person's back, often requires assistance from a second person, making it difficult for individuals to self-administer the treatment.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly with a first and second arm member, a hand-grip, and a dispenser holding assembly that allows for secure gripping and application of a dispenser to hard-to-reach areas, featuring a hinge mechanism and locking mechanism for folding and unfolding, and a spherical receiving sleeve for securing the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional dispenser is used, then the dispenser is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot reach hard-to-reach areas without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into multiple segments including a first arm member, a second arm member, and a dispenser holding assembly. These segments are connected through pivotal joints, allowing the structure to be folded for storage and extended for use. The segmentation enables the handle to reach hard-to-reach areas while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly incorporates pivotal connections between the first arm member, second arm member, and dispenser holding assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment of the arm positions. This dynamic structure enables the handle to adapt to different angles and positions for applying product to hard-to-reach areas.
2Ease of operation
If the handle assembly is extended to reach hard-to-reach areas, then application capability is improved, but the handle becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second arm member is received within the recess of the first arm member when folded, creating a compact nested configuration. The dispenser holding assembly is integrated at the distal end of the second arm member. This nesting allows the extended handle to be stored compactly, reducing the apparent complexity when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connections allow the handle assembly to dynamically adjust between extended and folded configurations. The locking mechanism provides stable positioning when extended, while allowing easy folding when storage is needed, managing complexity through functional flexibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the arm members are made rigid for stability, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to fold and store is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arm members are designed with pivotal connections that allow controlled movement between stable extended positions and folded storage positions. The locking mechanism provides stability when needed, while allowing easy folding when storage is required, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation of the handle into multiple arm members connected by pivotal joints allows each segment to be rigid for stability during use, while the connections themselves provide the flexibility needed for folding. The modular structure enables independent movement of each segment.
4Reliability
If the dispenser holding assembly is designed to securely hold the dispenser, then gripping capability is improved, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser holding assembly is integrated at the distal end of the second arm member, utilizing the existing structure for support. The spherical receiving sleeve is formed within the holding assembly, efficiently using space to secure the dispenser without adding excessive volume to the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical receiving sleeve is used to hold the cylindrical dispenser, providing a secure fit through curved surfaces. This spherical design efficiently accommodates the dispenser shape while minimizing the volume required for the holding assembly compared to flat or angular designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly includes a first arm member. The first arm member defines a proximal end and a distal end. A hand-grip is coupled to the proximal end of the first arm member. A second arm member is pivotally coupled with the distal end of the first arm member. The second arm member defines a distal end. A dispenser holding assembly is supported at the distal end of the second arm member. The dispenser holding assembly is configured to hold a dispenser.