Ergonomic Handgrip for Pneumatic Machines Using Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomic handgrips for pneumatic machines are lacking, and existing solutions fail to enhance usability and assembly efficiency, particularly in machines with stiff air delivery and return pipes that form an uncomfortable "8"-shaped handgrip, which is not adaptable to non-pneumatic machines.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic handgrip design comprising two side caps that enclose and snugly fit around the air supply and discharge pipes, with reversible fixing elements and access windows, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance, and optionally accommodating a dust aspiration pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stiff delivery and return pipes are used to form the handgrip, then the pneumatic functional needs are met, but the handgrip becomes non-ergonomic and uncomfortable for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible membrane that can deform to accommodate the rigid pipes while providing an ergonomic outer surface. The membrane acts as an intermediary layer between the stiff pipes and the user's hand, allowing the handgrip to conform to natural hand contours while maintaining the structural integrity of the pneumatic pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane serves as an intermediary element between the rigid delivery and return pipes and the user's hand. It mediates the contradiction by providing a comfortable ergonomic interface while allowing the pipes to maintain their rigid structure for pneumatic functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If the handgrip is designed to accommodate stiff pipes, then pneumatic functionality is achieved, but assembly and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The handgrip is segmented into multiple components: the rigid pipes, the flexible membrane, and the ergonomic casing. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining pneumatic functionality and ergonomic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane introduces dynamic characteristics to the handgrip structure, allowing it to adapt during assembly and maintenance. The membrane can be temporarily deformed or removed to access the pipes for maintenance, then returns to its functional state, simplifying maintenance procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handgrip structure is made rigid to support pneumatic pipes, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different machine configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handgrip design incorporates universal features through the flexible membrane and modular casing that can accommodate different pipe configurations and machine types. The same basic handgrip structure can be adapted to various pneumatic machines by adjusting the membrane or casing, providing multi-functionality without compromising structural stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handgrip (1) is disclosed for pneumatic machines (2) for machining surfaces comprising, adjacent to one another, a delivery pipe (3) and a discharge pipe (4) for discharging the compressed air. Said handgrip (1) consists of a first side cap (5) and of a second side cap (6) that are associated to enclose ergonomically said delivery pipes (3) and discharge pipes (4)