Rotating Lockable Handle for Ergonomic Container Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers, particularly waste containers, are ergonomically challenging to handle due to their weight and height, making them difficult to move and store efficiently, especially when filled, and often require non-ergonomic working postures for users.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a movable and lockable holding device that can be adjusted to increase the lever length, allowing for easier handling and storage, with a mechanism that allows the handle to be moved from a first position to a second position, providing a longer lever arm for improved ergonomics and ease of use, while maintaining a compact form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the handle area is fixed at a low height to enable space-saving storage under worktops, then the container can be stored compactly, but the handling becomes non-ergonomic and difficult for normal-sized persons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidhandling ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed to be movable between a retracted first position for compact storage and an extended second position for ergonomic handling. The device can be rotated about an axis of rotation and locked in the second position, transforming the handle height dynamically based on operational needs rather than being fixed at a low height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the container is designed with a long lever arm for easier handling, then the ergonomics improve, but the overall height and structure become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device utilizes a rotatable mechanism with connecting arms that can be locked in position. This dynamic structure allows the long lever arm to be deployed only when needed for handling, while remaining compact during storage, thus avoiding permanent structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is divided into multiple segments including connecting arms, a holding element, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall compactness when retracted and functionality when extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The adjustable handle device enhances the ergonomic handling of the container by allowing it to be gripped at an advantageous height, reducing the effort required to move it, and facilitates space-saving storage, improving user safety and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

the holding device has a handle area, which can be moved from a first position, in which the handle area is arranged between the lower level and the upper level, to a second position... so that a lever length determined by a distance between the lower level and the handle area is greater in the second position of the holding device than in the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3967628B1Container with a movable and lockable holding device
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 P HENKEL
  • EP3967628B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3967628B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3967628B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (1) comprising a body (10) and a lid (20) arranged on the body, wherein the body (10) forms an internal receiving space and extends from a bottom side (12) defining a lower level (11), which in intended use faces a surface, to an opposite opening side (14) having an opening and defining an upper level (13), wherein the receiving space is open through the opening towards the opening side (14) and the lid (20) is designed to close the opening and the receiving space, wherein the container (1) has a holding device (30) rotatably connected to the body (10) with a grip area (31), which is movable from a first position, in which the grip area (31) is arranged between the lower level (11) and the upper level (13), to a second position and can be locked in the second position.in which the grip area (31) is arranged behind the upper level (13) as seen from the lower level (11), such that a lever length determined by a distance between the lower level (11) and the grip area (31) is greater in the second position of the holding device (30) than in the first position of the holding device (30).