Plastic Handle Asymmetric Tabs for Secure Container Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle systems for plastic containers, such as paint cans, often fail to securely attach and remain attached in various positions, including upright and storage positions, due to issues with disassembly and disengagement, especially when subjected to load and handling.
Innovation Solution
A handle system comprising a strap with tabs that attach to brackets on the container, where the tabs are designed to interlock with slots in a specific orientation, requiring force for insertion and allowing the handle to rotate freely within the bracket, ensuring secure attachment and preventing disengagement, even when the handle is bearing the load of the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing handle systems are used for plastic containers, then the handle can be attached to the container, but the handle fails to securely remain attached in various positions including upright and storage positions due to disassembly and disengagement issues
Solution Approach 1:
The tab features an asymmetric cross-sectional shape with a first dimension and a second dimension that is less than the first dimension. The slot is correspondingly asymmetric with a first opening dimension and a second opening dimension. This asymmetric geometry allows the tab to pass through the slot only in a specific orientation, preventing the handle from detaching while maintaining secure attachment in various positions including upright and storage positions.
2Reliability
If the tab is designed to interlock with the slot in a specific orientation requiring force for insertion, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system is divided into distinct functional components: a strap, tabs attached to the strap, and brackets with slots. Each component has a specific function - the tab provides the interlocking element, the slot provides the receiving structure, and together they create a secure attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows for simple individual parts that combine to achieve reliable attachment without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for carrying a container (8) comprising a plastic handle (1) with tabs (2, 4) for insertion into slots (11) on the container configured so that the tabs may be inserted when the handle is not in an upright or resting position.