Sprayer Pommel Ergonomics and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable sprayers for vegetation treatment are difficult to grip due to ergonomic issues and the mobility of the pumping handle, leading to operator fatigue and increased risk of dropping the sprayer during operations like transport, filling, and pumping.
Innovation Solution
A portable sprayer equipped with a pommel or gripping knob that can be housed in the palm of the hand, separate from the pumping mechanism, allowing for stable and easy gripping at various angles, reducing the risk of dropping and improving ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hollow gripping handle is formed on the reservoir, then the sprayer can be gripped, but the manufacture becomes more complex and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping handle is separated from the reservoir body into an independent component. The handle can be attached to the reservoir through various methods (screwing, clipping, adhesive, or integration), allowing independent manufacturing and assembly of the two parts, thus simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining gripping functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping function is extracted from the reservoir structure and implemented through a separate handle component. This allows the reservoir to be manufactured independently with its optimal shape and size, while the handle provides the necessary gripping capability without complicating the reservoir's manufacturing
2Ease of operation
If a hollow gripping handle is formed on the reservoir, then the sprayer can be gripped, but the reservoir size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the handle from the reservoir, the handle can be positioned externally without requiring internal hollow space within the reservoir. This maintains the reservoir's compact size and optimal volume for liquid storage while providing gripping functionality through the attached handle
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping function is moved from the internal dimension (hollow handle within reservoir) to the external dimension (handle attached to reservoir exterior). This allows the reservoir to maintain its compact internal volume while the handle extends outward to provide ergonomic gripping without increasing the reservoir's core size
3Ease of operation
If a hollow gripping handle is used, then the sprayer can be gripped, but the grip angle is restricted and operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be detachable and repositionable, allowing the operator to adjust its position on the reservoir according to the task requirements. This dynamic configuration enables flexible grip angles for different operations such as transporting, filling, emptying, and pumping, reducing operator fatigue while maintaining secure gripping
4Ease of operation
If a hollow gripping handle is used, then the sprayer can be gripped, but the fingers may close on the palm increasing the risk of dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with ergonomic contours that replicate the natural curvature of the human hand and palm. This allows the operator's fingers to wrap around the handle comfortably without pinching the palm, providing secure gripping that prevents accidental drops while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
The tank has a prehension knob (11) situated on a head (3) of the tank, and a hand pumping arrangement disposed on top of the head and including a handle (7). An outlet nozzle (9) fixed on the head is connected to a flexible conduit and a lance, where the knob and the outlet nozzle are arranged on an inclined plane (13) that is formed on a side of the head.