Self-orienting Personal Defense Device with Single-Finger Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-defense devices with repellant spray mechanisms face issues such as complex actuation processes, difficulty in quick and proper orientation, and risk of self-spray, which can delay effective use during critical situations.
Innovation Solution
A self-orienting, rapid-response personal self-defense device with an elongate body, contoured grip, and stream channel, featuring a single finger opening for easy identification and firm grip, along with a stream protecting channel and DNA collector, designed to prevent self-spray and facilitate immediate use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple finger holes are provided for firm grip, then the device can be held securely and properly oriented, but the device becomes difficult to grab quickly without viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The grip structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a contoured exterior surface for general gripping, a recessed portion for finger placement, and a raised portion for thumb activation. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function while working together to enable both secure holding and rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs asymmetric design in the grip structure, with the trigger positioned on one side and the spray opening oriented at a specific angle. This asymmetry provides tactile cues that guide proper orientation during rapid deployment, eliminating the need for visual confirmation while ensuring correct positioning for effective use.
2Reliability
If actuator locks are provided to prevent inadvertent actuation, then the device can be safely stored, but the actuation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and trigger mechanism are merged into a single integrated component. The trigger serves dual functions: it acts as the activation element for spray discharge and simultaneously functions as the release mechanism for the actuator lock. This consolidation eliminates separate locking and triggering actions, reducing the actuation process to a single motion while maintaining safety during storage.
3Ease of operation
If the spray opening is positioned at the tip of the device, then the device can be easily aimed, but the user risks blocking the spray stream with their finger
Solution Approach 1:
The spray opening is repositioned from the tip of the device to the side surface, creating a lateral discharge path. This dimensional change in the spray trajectory ensures that the user's finger, which naturally covers the trigger area, cannot block the spray stream. The spray is directed outward at an angle that maintains clear separation between the discharge path and the user's hand position.
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid self-orienting personal defense device is provided having an elongate body, a stream channel, an orientation guide, a contact feature, and a contoured grip. The body defines an elongate storage cavity therein for retaining a replaceable repellant storage container. The orientation guide has a tip portion defining an index finger locator surface facing downward when gripped by the user for readily identifying to the user an intended grip location and orientation based on contact between the index finger with the locator surface. The contact feature can be attached to the tip portion of the orientation guide for providing defensive contact with an attacker and collecting a DNA sample during defensive contact. The contoured grip can have a grip diameter corresponding with the user. The orientation guide, locator surface and contoured grip can provide rapid self-orientation of the device when grabbed by the user.