Wall attachment device for handrail and handrail assembly comprising the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handrail attachment systems face challenges in securing handrails to walls with limited space, where flanges may detract from aesthetics and fail to align with narrow wall studs, compromising stability.

Innovation Solution

A wall attachment device with a body that fits within the handrail ends, featuring a planar rear face for wall contact, fastener openings, and an outer connecting member to securely engage the handrail, allowing for precise alignment and secure attachment without visible flanges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a flange is used to secure the handrail end to the wall, then the handrail can be attached to the wall, but the flange may detract from the appearance of the wall and/or handrail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is received within the hollow handrail end, with the body nested inside the handrail terminal. The outer connecting member extends through the handrail wall, and the inner connecting member is received within the hollow end. This nesting arrangement allows the attachment mechanism to be concealed within the handrail structure, eliminating visible flanges while maintaining secure wall attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If a flange is used to secure the handrail end to the wall, then the handrail can be attached to the wall, but the space on the wall around the end of the handrail may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidavailable wall space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is received within the hollow handrail end, with the body nested inside the handrail terminal. The outer connecting member extends through the handrail wall, and the inner connecting member is received within the hollow end. This nesting arrangement allows the attachment mechanism to be concealed within the handrail structure, eliminating visible flanges while maintaining secure wall attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If the flange is integral with the grab bar, then the grab bar structure is simplified, but the length of the grab bar is pre-determined and fixed, making it impossible to precisely align the flange with the corresponding studs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidalignment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is divided into separate components: a body received within the hollow handrail end, an outer connecting member extending through the handrail wall, and an inner connecting member received within the hollow end. This segmentation allows the handrail to be attached to the wall at various positions by adjusting the placement of the attachment device, enabling precise alignment with wall studs while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the flange is integral with the grab bar, then the grab bar structure is simplified, but it may not be possible to precisely align the flange with the corresponding studs to provide a secure wall attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is divided into separate components: a body received within the hollow handrail end, an outer connecting member extending through the handrail wall, and an inner connecting member received within the hollow end. This segmentation allows the handrail to be attached to the wall at various positions by adjusting the placement of the attachment device, enabling precise alignment with wall studs while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11414873B2Wall attachment device for handrail and handrail assembly comprising the same
Publication Date: 2022.08.16 9220 6820 QUEBEC INC
  • US11414873B2 patent drawing
  • US11414873B2 patent drawing
  • US11414873B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wall attachment device for securing a handrail to a supporting wall, the handrail having a first end and a second end, at least one of the first and second ends being hollow and including an inner connecting member extending radially inwardly within the corresponding end, the device comprising: a body sized and shaped to be received in the corresponding end, the body including a planar rear face adapted to be positioned against the supporting wall, a front face opposite the rear face and a lateral face, the body further having at least one fastener opening to receive a fastener for securing the body to the supporting wall; and an outer connecting member extending radially outwardly from the lateral face for securely engaging the inner connecting member of the handrail to thereby attach the corresponding one of the first and second ends of the handrail to the supporting wall.