Portable Sprayer Handle Layout for One-Handed Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable spray devices for plant protection require cumbersome operation, limiting user control due to the need to frequently adjust multiple controls with one hand while carrying the device, leading to ergonomic challenges and inefficient handling.

Innovation Solution

A redesigned portable spray device with an ergonomically shaped handle that integrates the gas lever, stop switch, and actuating element for the control valve, allowing all functions to be controlled with one hand without changing the grip, featuring a spray button with automatic resetting and a spring-loaded linear control valve for precise metering and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple controls (gas lever, stop switch, actuating element) are arranged on the handle, then all functions can be accessed, but the handle becomes too large and loses ergonomic shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of controlsVSAvoidergonomic shape of handle
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The control elements are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the handle rather than radially around it. The gas lever, stop switch, and actuating element are positioned sequentially along the length of the handle, allowing the user to access all controls while maintaining a slender, ergonomic cross-sectional shape that fits comfortably in the hand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user reaches for controls located away from the handle, then all functions are accessible, but the user must frequently change grip or use the second hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of controlsVSAvoidcontinuous one-handed operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

All control elements (gas lever, stop switch, and actuating element for the control valve) are merged into a single integrated handle assembly. This allows the operator to access all functions sequentially along the handle length without changing grip or using the second hand, enabling continuous one-handed operation throughout the entire control sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Shape

If the handle is made slim for ergonomic gripping, then hand comfort is improved, but space for controls is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslim ergonomic handleVSAvoidspace for controls
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a dynamic spatial arrangement where control elements are positioned along the longitudinal axis rather than requiring radial space. This dynamic layout allows the handle to maintain a slim cross-section for ergonomic gripping while accommodating all necessary controls through extended length, effectively trading radial space for longitudinal arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1886613B1Portable spray device
Publication Date: 2009.02.18 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP1886613B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1886613B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1886613B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a portable spray device with a blower (1) for conveying a stream of blown air (2) through a blower tube (3), with an internal combustion engine (4) for driving the blower (1), with a spray line (5) for guiding a stream of spray (6) from a reservoir (7) into the blown air stream (2), with a control valve (8) for controlling the spray agent flow (6) being arranged in the spray agent line (5), with a handle (9), with a gas lever (10 ) for controlling the power of the internal combustion engine (4), with a stop switch (11) for interrupting the ignition of the internal combustion engine (4) and with an actuating element (12) for actuating the control valve (8) for the spray medium flow (6). The handle (9) has a handle head (13) in which the gas lever (10), the stop switch (11) and the actuating element (12) for the control valve (8) are arranged.