Handrail Fastening Device Concealing Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handrail fastening systems for rail vehicles are aesthetically disruptive, pose a risk of injury, and are difficult to clean due to visible fasteners and protrusions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a retaining rod with internal threads, a connecting element with external threads, and a fastening element, allowing secure attachment to vehicle parts while being easy to manufacture and hiding fasteners for a clean, aesthetic appearance, with optional gluing for increased stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fastening elements (screws, bolts, plates) are used to attach handrails to vehicle structures, then secure mechanical attachment is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fasteners and protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The visible fastening elements are extracted and hidden inside a hollow support rod. The rod is fastened to the vehicle structure using concealed fasteners, while the handrail connects to the rod through a separate connection mechanism. This separates the structural fastening function from the visible surface, eliminating aesthetic disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are nested inside the hollow support rod. The rod acts as a container that houses the mechanical fasteners, allowing them to be hidden from view while still performing their structural function. The handrail, support rod, and concealed fasteners form a nested arrangement where each component serves its specific purpose without interfering with aesthetics.
2Strength
If protruding fasteners are used for handrail attachment, then secure mechanical connection is achieved, but passenger safety deteriorates due to injury risk from exposed fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous protruding fasteners are extracted from the visible area and placed inside the hollow support rod. Only the smooth exterior of the rod is exposed, eliminating the injury risk while maintaining the mechanical connection strength through the concealed fastening system.
3Strength
If visible fasteners and protrusions are used for handrail fastening, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but cleaning ease deteriorates due to difficult-to-reach areas around fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are extracted and concealed inside the hollow support rod, creating a smooth exterior surface without protrusions or crevices. This allows cleaning cloths or tools to easily access and clean the entire surface area, including the regions where fasteners would traditionally be located.
4Strength
If complex fastening systems with multiple components are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as the structural support element, the concealed fastening housing, and the connection interface for the handrail. By merging these functions into one integrated component rather than using separate parts for each function, the overall system complexity is reduced while maintaining attachment security.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for attaching a handrail (2), in particular in railway vehicles, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one fastening element (3, 4) for fastening the device to a supporting construction, at least one connecting element (5) and the at least one handrail (2), wherein at least one end section (6, 7) of the handrail (2) has an internal thread (16) on the handrail side, wherein the connecting element (5) has a first external thread (18), wherein the external thread (18) can be screwed into the internal thread (16) on the handrail side, wherein a section (8, 9) of the fastening element (3, 4) on the fastening element side has an internal thread (17) on the fastening element side, and wherein the first external thread (18) or a second external thread of the connecting element can be screwed in the internal thread (17) on the fastening element side. The invention further relates to a method for producing at least one device (1).