Rotating Sterilization Container Handles for Ergonomic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sterilization containers are often heavy and cumbersome, with handles that are not ergonomically positioned for efficient, comfortable, or safe handling, posing challenges for users of varying sizes and abilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of repositionable handles for sterilization containers, featuring a base portion that can be rotated within a plane to change the orientation of the grip portion relative to the container's bottom surface, allowing for multiple ergonomic positions and secure locking mechanisms to maintain chosen orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed handles are used on sterilization containers, then the container structure is simple, but the handling comfort and ergonomics deteriorate for users of varying sizes and abilities
Solution Approach 1:
The handle base portion is made rotatable relative to the container body, allowing the handle to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The grip portion can be repositioned to multiple angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to accommodate different user heights and handling needs, transforming a static fixed handle into a dynamic adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is divided into separate functional components: a base portion attached to the container body, a grip portion for user holding, and a stop mechanism for positioning. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables the grip portion to be repositioned relative to the base portion without affecting the overall attachment structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handle orientation is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system incorporates rotational capability at the base portion, enabling the grip portion to be oriented in multiple positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to adapt to different user heights and handling requirements. This dynamic adjustment feature is achieved through a rotatable connection mechanism with stopping points.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle design serves multiple functions: it provides a secure grip, allows orientation adjustment for different users, and maintains structural integrity during sterilization. The rotatable base portion with indexed stopping positions enables a single handle design to fulfill multiple ergonomic requirements that would otherwise require different handle configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is made repositionable, then the ergonomics improve, but the risk of improper positioning and potential compromise of sealing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion is designed to be rotatable relative to the container body, allowing the handle to be positioned at multiple orientations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) for ergonomic purposes. This rotational capability is constrained by stop mechanisms that prevent excessive movement and ensure the handle remains properly positioned during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop mechanism is designed to prevent the handle from being positioned in incorrect orientations that could compromise the container seal. By providing predefined stopping points, the system proactively prevents improper positioning before it can cause sealing issues, rather than relying on user awareness or post-positioning verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Handles for containers and sterilization containers are provided. For example, a handle for a sterilization container comprises a base portion, a grip portion connected to the base portion, and a stop. The base portion is repositionable with respect to the container to change an orientation of the grip portion with respect to a bottom surface of the container. In some embodiments, a sterilization container comprises a body having a bottom surface, a lid, a first handle attached to a first end of the body, and a second handle attached to a second end of the body. Each handle includes a base portion rotatable within a plane parallel to the respective end of the body to reposition the handle with respect to the body, which changes an orientation of a grip portion of each handle with respect to the bottom surface.