Handrail Splice Coupling with Scalloped Grooves for Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handrail coupling devices face challenges with loose mechanical fasteners, excessive parts, difficult installation due to compression requirements, and poor adhesion caused by insufficient adhesive retention in fine groove configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical splice apparatus with a scalloped outer surface featuring large and small grooves for adhesive retention and press-fit engagement, and a split body with inwardly projecting legs and tabs to facilitate easy installation by compressive force reduction, ensuring secure and easy connection of tubular handrail components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical fasteners and wedge-type technology are used to join tubular handrail sections, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and threaded fasteners may loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes threaded fasteners and wedge-type mechanical fastening components from the handrail connection system. Instead, it uses a simple adhesive applied to the inner surface of the handrail section to bond the splice apparatus and handrail sections together, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (threaded fasteners, wedges) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive). This substitution eliminates the complexity of mechanical components while providing reliable connection strength through adhesive bonding between the splice apparatus and handrail sections
2Manufacturing precision
If fine longitudinal grooves are used on the splice device surface, then the adhesive distribution is improved, but the adhesive retention area is insufficient leading to poor adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the groove configuration on the splice apparatus by creating larger, more widely spaced grooves instead of fine longitudinal grooves. This local quality change increases the surface area and volume available for adhesive retention in critical locations, thereby improving adhesion quality while still maintaining adequate adhesive distribution
3Ease of operation
If the splice device is designed with a compressed state for insertion, then the ease of installation is improved, but the compression force required makes installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The splice apparatus is designed as a split-body structure with a longitudinal slit that allows it to be opened into a C-shape or U-shape configuration. This segmentation enables the splice to be easily inserted around the handrail section without requiring excessive compression force, while still providing a secure fit when closed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure, easy-to-install handrail connection with improved adhesion and reduced parts, overcoming the limitations of prior art by maintaining adhesive within larger grooves and anchoring with smaller grooves, while allowing for temporary diameter reduction for effortless insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The large grooves are sized to receive and maintain a quantity of adhesive therein to ensure an adhesive connection between exterior of the tubular splice and the interior handrail surface
Implementation Method 2
The smaller second grooves receive a smaller quantity of adhesive and further function to anchor the splice relative to the hand rail sections by press-fit engagement
Implementation Method 3
The tabs provide compressive bearing surfaces for application of a compressive force which may be applied by a pliers-type hand tool to temporarily reduce the diameter of the splice to facilitate inserted installation of the splice within a tubular hand rail component
Data Source
AI summary
An improved handrail splice for use in coupling cylindrical handrail components comprises a generally cylindrical splice having a scalloped outer surface defining a plurality of first and second grooves, with the first grooves being characterized as large grooves circumferentially spaced along the outer surface and a plurality of smaller second grooves disposed between the first grooves. The large grooves are sized to receive and maintain a quantity of adhesive therein to ensure a secure adhesive connection between exterior of the tubular splice and the interior handrail surface. The smaller second grooves receive a smaller quantity of adhesive and further function to anchor the splice relative to the hand rail sections by press-fit engagement. A longitudinal slit bounded by a pair of projecting tabs allows for the temporary reduction of the splice to facilitate inserted installation of the splice within a tubular hand rail component.