Sliding Door Handle Adapter for Improved Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some sliding glass doors come with handles that are too small, making them difficult to open due to insufficient size and grip.
Innovation Solution
A handle adapter comprising a sliding member with parallel channels, a cap with perpendicular channels, and a handle member that protrudes beyond the plane, allowing easy attachment and use as a larger, easier-to-grasp handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small handle is used on a sliding glass door, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the handle is difficult to grasp and open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that connects to the existing small handle and provides a larger gripping surface. The adapter includes a handle member with channels that receive the original handle, allowing the door to be opened more easily without replacing the entire door assembly. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity through a separate attachment component.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system is segmented into two independent parts: the original small handle and the adapter component. The adapter is a separate piece that attaches to the existing handle, allowing the gripping function to be improved without modifying the original handle structure. This segmentation enables ease of operation improvement while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If a larger handle is provided on the sliding glass door, then the ease of operation is improved with better grip, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with nested channels where the original small handle fits inside the adapter's handle member channels. The cap channels further nest over the handle member. This nested structure provides a larger external gripping surface while containing the original handle within the adapter, improving grip accessibility without requiring complete replacement of the handle system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it provides a larger gripping surface for improved operation, acts as a protective cap over the original handle, and maintains compatibility with the existing door mechanism. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component by delivering multiple benefits from a single addition.
3Ease of operation
If the original small handle is replaced with a large handle, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a pre-assembled unit with the handle member and cap already configured to receive the original handle. This preliminary preparation allows for cost-effective manufacturing of the adapter as a separate component that can be attached to existing doors, avoiding the high costs associated with manufacturing and installing entirely new door assemblies with integrated large handles.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is manufactured as a separate, relatively simple component that can be produced at lower cost compared to replacing entire door assemblies. The adapter serves as an economical solution that improves handle usability without the significant manufacturing investment required for complete door replacement or integration of large handles into the original door structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle adapter includes a sliding member, a cap, and a handle member. The sliding member includes a first slide channel and a second slide channel defined on opposing sides of the sliding member and parallel with one another. The cap includes a top cap channel, a first side cap channel, and a second side cap channel. The first side cap channel and the second side cap channel are parallel with one another and perpendicular relative to the top cap channel. The cap is aligned with the sliding member along a plane. The handle member includes a top end and a bottom end. The top end is coupled to the cap and the bottom end is coupled to the sliding member. The handle member is substantially protruding beyond the plane.