Hand-held squeegee with ring loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tools for applying films and wraps to automotive vehicles are inefficient and unsanitary, as technicians must frequently switch between tools, leading to contamination and time consumption, with squeegees often being stored in unsuitable locations or held in the mouth.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held squeegee with a ring loop and optional blade cover, designed to be worn around the finger for convenient storage and retrieval, and featuring a storage port for additional tools like utility knives, enhancing efficiency and hygiene by minimizing tool switching and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the squeegee is stored in a tool pouch or on the ground between uses, then the technician can have the tool readily accessible, but the squeegee picks up dirt or particles that can scratch or tear the wrap upon subsequent use
Solution Approach 1:
A blade cover made of soft material (felt, rubber, or silicone) is introduced as an intermediary between the blade and the environment. This cover protects the blade from picking up dirt and particles when stored, while allowing the technician to maintain easy access to the squeegee in the tool pouch.
2Productivity
If the technician holds the squeegee in their mouth for quick access, then tool switching time is reduced, but this creates unsanitary and unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The blade cover serves as a mediator that enables the technician to confidently handle and quickly access the squeegee without contamination risks, eliminating the need to hold it in the mouth while maintaining sanitation and safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the technician frequently switches between multiple tools (squeegee, utility knife, heat gun), then different tasks can be performed, but this consumes time and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tools are merged into a single integrated device. The squeegee handle incorporates storage ports for a utility knife and a heat gun, allowing the technician to access all three tools from one handheld device, thereby reducing tool switching time and improving installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The squeegee is transformed into a universal tool that performs multiple functions: wrapping application (squeegee blade), cutting (utility knife), and heating (heat gun). This multi-functionality eliminates the need to switch between separate tools during the installation process.
4Productivity
If the squeegee is designed with additional storage ports for other tools, then tool switching is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Storage ports are nested within the handle structure of the squeegee. The utility knife and heat gun are stored in recesses or compartments integrated into the handle, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall device complexity while providing easy access to multiple tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held squeegee for applying or installing wraps and/or films to surfaces. The hand-held squeegee includes a blade portion, a handle portion, and a ring loop portion. The hand-held squeegee is placed over or around a user's finger so that the squeegee can rotate about the user's finger between use and non-use, and is conveniently secured to the user's hand even when it is not actively in use by the user or when the user is using another tool.