Pole Handle Hand Loop with Permeable Strip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand straps for walking sticks and trekking poles face issues with moisture accumulation leading to slipping and skin problems due to their material properties, which are not adequately addressed by current designs that either absorb too much moisture or fail to distribute tensile forces effectively.

Innovation Solution

The hand strap features two lateral inelastic edge strips that absorb tensile forces, with a permeable material strip in between to prevent moisture accumulation, allowing for breathability and flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the hand strap is made of moisture-absorbing material to improve comfort, then moisture is absorbed initially, but it becomes saturated quickly and can no longer fulfill its task

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture accumulationVSAvoidduration of moisture absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hand strap incorporates a porous foam material that provides continuous moisture absorption capability through its cellular structure. The porosity allows moisture to be drawn in and held within the foam's internal voids, preventing saturation and maintaining comfort over extended periods of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The hand strap is constructed as a composite structure combining foam material with fabric layers. The foam core provides moisture absorption and cushioning, while the fabric outer layer offers durability and moisture wicking, creating a material system that addresses both comfort and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the hand strap uses wide webbing or leather strap to withstand tensile loads, then tensile strength is improved, but moisture removal capability is reduced and slipping increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidslipping behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The foam material's porous structure provides both mechanical strength to withstand tensile loads and capillary channels for moisture transport. The interconnected pores allow sweat to be drawn away from the skin through capillary action, reducing moisture accumulation and slipping while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The hand strap design applies different material properties to different regions: the foam core provides bulk strength and moisture absorption, while the fabric surface layer provides friction and moisture wicking. This local differentiation of material qualities addresses both tensile strength and anti-slipping requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If patches of soft material are added to absorb moisture, then moisture absorption is improved initially, but they become saturated quickly and fail to fulfill their task

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture absorptionVSAvoidduration of moisture absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using solid patches that saturate quickly, the invention employs foam material with extensive internal porosity throughout the entire hand strap structure. This provides vastly increased moisture storage capacity distributed throughout the volume, preventing saturation and maintaining moisture management functionality over long durations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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

This design provides a comfortable, flexible hand strap that prevents moisture buildup and distributes tensile forces effectively, reducing slipping and skin issues while maintaining a pleasant feel during use.

Implementation Method 1

the area lying between these edge strips is formed by a permeable strip of material... moisture or wetness cannot be removed in this contact area with the belt straps usually used according to the prior art and accumulates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the area lying between these edge strips is formed by a permeable strip of material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP2579740B1Stick handle with hand loop
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 LEKISPORT AG
  • EP2579740B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3e

AI summary

The invention relates to a pole handle (1), in particular for walking poles, trekking poles, alpine ski poles, cross-country ski poles, or Nordic walking poles, having a handle body (2) and having a device for attaching a strip or band-shaped hand loop (5). The pole handle is characterized in that the hand loop (5) comprises two substantially inelastic edge strips (6) in the region coming into contact with the hand of the user during use, substantially forming the outer edge of the hand loop in said region, disposed spaced apart from each other perpendicular to the direction (11) in which the hand loop extends, and in that the region between said edge strips (6) is formed by a permeable material strip (7).