Moveable Heated Grip Layout for Cold-Weather Hand Warmth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operating snow throwers in cold conditions can lead to cold hands for the operator, making the experience less enjoyable.
Innovation Solution
The snow thrower is equipped with heated grips that include moveable heating elements on either side of the handle, surrounding at least 50% of the circumference, to maintain hand warmth even when the actuatable member is not actively engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating elements are added to the handle, then hand warmth is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent heating elements positioned at different locations around the handle. Each heating element can be independently controlled and positioned to target specific cold spots, allowing the system to provide effective hand warmth while maintaining modularity and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are designed to be moveable relative to one another, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions around the handle. This enables the system to adapt to different handle shapes, sizes, and usage scenarios, improving hand warmth coverage without requiring a complex fixed structure.
2Temperature
If multiple heating elements are positioned around the handle, then hand warmth coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are designed as separate, modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled around the handle. This segmentation allows each element to be produced using standard manufacturing processes, and the modular design simplifies assembly by allowing sequential installation without requiring complex integrated tooling or assembly sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable design of the heating elements allows them to be positioned and adjusted during assembly to achieve optimal coverage. This flexibility simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing for tolerance compensation and adjustment, reducing the need for precision machining and complex alignment procedures during assembly.
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 heated grips effectively keep the operator's hands warm, ensuring comfort and usability in cold weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heated grip comprising: a first heating element disposed at least partially on a first side of the handle; and a second heating element disposed at least partially on a second side of the handle
Data Source
AI summary
Power tools, snow throwers, and heated grips for snow throwers are provided. An exemplary heated grip for a power tool having a handle configured to be engaged by an operator includes a first heating element configured to be disposed at least partially on a first side of the handle; and a second heating element configured to be disposed at least partially on a second side of the handle, wherein the first heating element is moveable relative to the second heating element.