Custom Handle Core Manufacturing via 3D Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing handles for hand luggage are either lengthy and require multiple moulding steps or do not address the specific needs of composite handles with surface treatments, and they do not provide a fast and user-friendly customization process.

Innovation Solution

A method using computer-aided technology to generate a handle core model based on user hand dimensions, allowing for the rapid production of customized handle cores using additive techniques like 3D printing, which can be easily implemented in retail settings, and enabling surface treatments such as painting or leather wrapping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional moulding methods are used to manufacture handles, then the handle can be customized to user hand dimensions, but the manufacturing process becomes lengthy and requires multiple moulding steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle customizationVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal handle dimensions based on user hand measurements before the actual manufacturing process. By performing the dimensional calculation and model generation in advance (preliminary action), the system avoids time-consuming iterative adjustments during production, thus reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining customization capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical moulding processes with digital computer-aided generation and calculation systems. Instead of using physical moulds and manual measurement methods, the system uses software algorithms to calculate optimal handle dimensions and generate digital models, which can then be manufactured more efficiently, significantly reducing the number of steps and time required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If user hand printing methods are used for customization, then the handle fits the user's hand perfectly, but the user must contact and press deformable material which is not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle fit precisionVSAvoiduser involvement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copying of hand measurement data instead of physical contact with deformable materials. The system creates a digital model or copy of the user's hand dimensions through non-contact measurement methods, then uses this digital copy to generate the handle design, eliminating the need for users to physically press or mold deformable materials while maintaining precise fit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical process of pressing deformable materials with digital calculation and model generation. Instead of requiring users to physically interact with moulding compounds, the system uses computer algorithms to calculate optimal handle dimensions based on provided measurements, dramatically simplifying user involvement while preserving manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If pre-manufactured handle cores are used, then the manufacturing process is fast and efficient, but the handles cannot be customized to individual user dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidhandle customization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains a library of pre-manufactured handle cores with varying dimensions and uses computer-aided calculation to select the optimal pre-manufactured core that matches the user's hand measurements. By changing the selection criteria and matching parameters rather than completely custom-manufacturing each handle, the system achieves both fast processing (using existing inventory) and customization (selecting the best fit), resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3768112B1Handle core and handle manufacturing method for a hand luggage
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP3768112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3768112B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5
  • EP3768112B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Method of manufacturing a handle core for a hand luggage, comprising the steps of: - providing at least one dimension of a user's hand, - generating a handle core model, based on said at least one provided dimension, - manufacturing a hand luggage handle core, according to the handle core model.