Grout Float Handle with Lateral Sidewalls for Angular Force Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Grout floats lack adjustable handles, leading to ergonomic challenges and inconvenience when working with different surfaces and techniques, as they cannot accommodate varying angles, resulting in discomfort and inefficiency for users.

Innovation Solution

A grout float with a handle that includes mounting noses with lateral sidewalls that transfer force angularly to a pliable pad, and a non-linear gripping portion, allowing for ergonomic comfort and efficient force distribution regardless of the work surface or technique, enhancing user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed straight handle is used on the grout float, then the device structure is simple, but ergonomics deteriorates when working at different angles

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidhandle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a non-linear profile that allows it to flex and adapt to different angles of use. The curved geometry enables the handle to accommodate various wrist positions and working angles, transforming the static handle into a dynamically adaptable component that maintains ergonomic comfort across different operational configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle employs a non-linear curved profile instead of a straight configuration. This curvature is specifically designed to match the natural arc of wrist movement and hand positioning, allowing the user to maintain a comfortable grip angle whether working at 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or other angles, thereby resolving the ergonomic contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If a non-linear gripping portion is added to the handle, then ergonomics is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip comfortVSAvoidhandle fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The handle profile is defined by specific geometric parameters that describe the non-linear curvature. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves ergonomic benefits while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming and molding processes, balancing the contradiction between ergonomic improvement and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If lateral sidewalls are designed to transfer force angularly, then force distribution is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmounting nose structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting noses feature asymmetric lateral sidewalls with varying angles and profiles. This asymmetry is deliberately designed to optimize force transfer in multiple directions, allowing efficient angular force distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates seamlessly with the handle and blade assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11851895B2Grout float and handle for use with same

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 ACUFLOOR LLC

AI summary

A grout float and a handle for use with the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the grout float, the handle is secured to a blade, which may be encased with a pliable pad. The handle includes two mounting noses. Each of the two mounting noses includes a pair of lateral sidewalls traversing lateral surfaces of the handle and burgeoning downwardly. The lateral sidewalls transfer force from the handle to the blade upon the pliable pad of the grout float angularly contacting a work surface. A gripping portion of the handle located between the two mounting noses may having a non-linear profile.