Polymer Handle Spanning Two Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle solutions for carrying pressurized cylinders, such as those containing 'A' isocyanate reactants and 'B' polyol/catalyst/flame retardants/surfactants, are either hard on the user's joints due to metal fasteners or prone to disconnection when made of plastic, lacking a secure, safe, and economical design.
Innovation Solution
A handle design featuring a middle segment with male and female connector fittings that engage laterally through apertures in the cylinder collars, providing a secure and one-way insertion mechanism to ensure stability and ease of use, made from polymers like thermoplastics or thermosets for durability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal fasteners are used in the handle, then the handle provides strong structural support, but it causes harm to the user's joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plastic connectors instead of metal fasteners, creating a handle designed for single-use disposal. This eliminates the harmful impact of metal fasteners on user joints while maintaining sufficient structural strength for the application. The plastic connectors are intentionally designed as non-reusable components that ensure safety for the intended purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties of the connectors. This material substitution reduces the hardness and impact force transmitted to the user's joints while maintaining adequate connecting strength through optimized plastic connector geometry and engagement mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic connectors are used in the handle, then the handle is easier on the user's joints, but the connectors come apart when lifting the cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into separate modular components: a central handle body and two detachable connector pieces. Each connector is designed as an independent unit that can be separately optimized for both user comfort and connection reliability. The segmentation allows for specialized design features in each component to address the contradictory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design features nested engagement elements where one connector piece fits inside or interlocks with another. This nested structure provides secure mechanical engagement that prevents separation during lifting, while the plastic material maintains flexibility to reduce impact on joints. The nested geometry ensures proper alignment and stable connection.
3Reliability
If a secure connector design is implemented, then the handle remains attached during lifting, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the trade-off of higher manufacturing complexity by designing for single-use disposal. The secure connector design with multiple engagement features is manufactured once and then discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex assembly and disassembly mechanisms that would be required for reusable handles. This approach maintains attachment security while simplifying the overall system lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design merges multiple functions into single integrated components: the connector simultaneously provides structural attachment, alignment guidance, and locking engagement. This functional integration reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps required, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure attachment during lifting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains generally to a handle which spans across two cylinders, each cylinder having a pair of collars, in which mating engagement is secured by various fastening approaches employing the peripheral ends of each handle.