Multi-User Handle Design for Commuter Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commuter vehicles face limitations in passenger capacity due to single-user grab handles, which can break under multiple users and fail to accommodate increased passenger numbers safely, while also posing germ transmission risks.
Innovation Solution
Design and manufacturing of multi-user handles with a neck, body portion, and multiple hold portions, featuring a protuberance, fillet, and alternating ribs for enhanced strength and grip, made from materials like polycarbonate or steel, capable of withstanding forces up to 200 kg without exceeding yield strength, along with an attachment mechanism for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-user grab handles are used, then the handle structure can be simple, but the handle can break under multiple users and cannot accommodate increased passenger numbers safely
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple independent hold portions (first hold portion, second hold portion, third hold portion) that extend from a common body. This segmentation allows multiple users to grip different portions simultaneously while distributing the mechanical load across separate contact points, preventing structural failure that would occur with a single-user design.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a single-point grip to a multi-point spatial arrangement by extending hold portions in different directions (vertically, horizontally, diagonally) from the body. This dimensional expansion increases the handle's capacity to support multiple users without increasing the complexity of the central support structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If single-user grab handles are used, then manufacturing can be simple, but the number of seats and grab handles effectively limits the number of people that can safely be on the commuter vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hold portions are merged into a single integrated handle body, creating one manufacturing unit that provides the functionality of multiple separate handles. This allows one molded or fabricated component to serve multiple users simultaneously, increasing effective passenger capacity without proportionally increasing the number of manufacturing operations or assembly steps.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple users hold onto the same handle, then passenger capacity increases, but the user's hands can touch, increasing the possibility of spreading germs, illnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into multiple distinct hold portions spaced apart in three-dimensional space. This physical segmentation ensures that users gripping different portions do not have their hands touch, eliminating the germ transmission pathway while still allowing multiple users to utilize the same handle structure simultaneously.
4Device complexity
If single-user grab handles are used, then the handle design can be simple, but it limits the number of passengers holding the grab handle simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The handle design extends hold portions into multiple spatial dimensions (vertical, horizontal, diagonal orientations) from a compact body. This dimensional arrangement allows users at different positions and heights to access and grip the handle simultaneously without requiring a complex multi-handle system, thereby improving ease of operation for multiple users while maintaining relatively simple overall design.
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 multi-user handles enable safe simultaneous use by multiple passengers, enhance structural integrity, and reduce germ transmission risks, allowing for increased passenger capacity without compromising safety or durability.
Implementation Method 1
injecting the polymer into a cavity to form a handle
Implementation Method 2
injecting nitrogen gas into the melt through a gas injection pin as the melt begins to solidify; pushing the melt to the extremities of the cavity
Implementation Method 3
cooling the melt
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a handle (10) comprises: a neck (12); and a body portion (14) extending from the neck, wherein the body portion comprises a corner portion (22) extending from the neck, an arm (16) extending from the corner portion, and greater than or equal to two hold portions (18) extending from the arm. In an embodiment, a method of making the handle comprises: melting a polymer to form a melt; injecting the polymer into a cavity to form the handle comprising a neck; and injecting nitrogen gas into the melt through a gas injection pin as the melt begins to solidify; pushing the melt to the extremities of the cavity; cooling the melt; venting the nitrogen gas; opening the mold; and ejecting the handle.