Replacement gripping member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bucket handles with plastic gripping members degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight, leading to inadequate weight distribution and frequent replacement issues, as they break down and are not easily replaceable.
Innovation Solution
A modular gripping member formed of two mating halves with a large diameter cylindrical design and locking tabs, allowing for secure attachment to existing handles, providing enhanced weight distribution and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plastic gripping member is used on a bucket handle, then the handle provides a comfortable grip surface, but the plastic degrades and breaks when exposed to sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping member is divided into two separate components: a UV-resistant body portion and a replaceable grip portion. The body portion retains the structural integrity and UV resistance, while the grip portion provides the comfortable gripping surface and can be replaced when degraded.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip portion is designed to be replaceable and can be discarded when it degrades from UV exposure. Users can remove the degraded grip portion and attach a new one to the body portion, extending the overall lifespan of the handle without replacing the entire assembly.
2Device complexity
If the gripping member is made as a single piece, then it is simple in structure, but it cannot be easily replaced when broken
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping member is segmented into a permanent body portion and a replaceable grip portion connected by an interference fit. This segmentation allows the grip portion to be easily removed and replaced when degraded, while the body portion remains in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip portion is inserted into and nested within the body portion through an interference fit connection. This nesting arrangement allows the smaller grip portion to be housed within the larger body portion, enabling easy replacement while maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standard diameter gripping member is used, then it fits standard handles, but it does not provide sufficient weight distribution for heavy containers
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portion extends the diameter of the handle by wrapping around the body portion. This dimensional extension provides a larger gripping surface area that distributes weight more effectively across the user's hand, while still fitting over standard diameter handles.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping member combines two functional components with different properties: the body portion provides structural support and UV resistance, while the grip portion provides enhanced gripping surface area and comfort. Together they create a composite structure that achieves both handle compatibility and improved weight distribution.
4Ease of operation
If the gripping member is designed to cover existing grips, then it can be installed without removal, but it may not securely attach to various handle geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The body portion is designed with a universal geometry that can accommodate various handle shapes and sizes. The interference fit connection and positioning features are configured to securely attach to different handle geometries while allowing easy installation by simply sliding the grip portion onto the body portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved gripping member for a weight bearing container. The gripping member is specifically designed to either replace an existing gripping member, or improve a two part handle for a weight bearing container by providing a larger diameter gripping surface. The improved gripping member is formed of two identical mating halves that can be releasably attached to form a cylindrical gripping surface with a relatively large diameter. When attached about an existing gripping member or wire handle portion of a two part handle the inventive gripping member provides a large diameter gripping surface to distribute the weight of the container about a larger portion of the user's palm.