Strap Wrench Rounded Protrusion for Vacuum Lid Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for opening jar lids, such as strap wrenches, require significant dexterity and torque, making it difficult for children and elderly individuals to open vacuum-packed containers, as they need to apply force in opposite directions to the lid and container.
Innovation Solution
A strap wrench device with an elongate handle and flexible member forming a loop around the container, featuring a rounded protrusion to prevent slippage and a guide member for secure grip, allowing for easy rotation of the container while holding the lid stationary with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional strap wrench is used to grip the container, then the container can be held firmly, but the device requires significant dexterity and manipulation to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member automatically tightens around the container when the handle is rotated, utilizing the container's own geometry to secure the grip without requiring manual adjustment or complex manipulation by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex ratcheting mechanism with a simpler flexible member system that uses elastic deformation and friction to achieve secure gripping, eliminating the need for manual engagement and disengagement operations
2Reliability
If a ratcheting mechanism is used to hold the strap tightly against the handle, then the grip is secure, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ratcheting mechanism entirely from the design, replacing it with a flexible member that maintains grip through elastic tension and friction alone, significantly simplifying the device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member acts as a thin film that conformally wraps around the container, using its inherent flexibility to maintain continuous contact and grip without requiring mechanical locking components
3Force
If torque is applied to open vacuum-packed lids, then the lid can be opened, but significant force is required that is difficult for children and elderly individuals to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded protrusion on the handle provides a curved surface that naturally guides the flexible member and distributes applied force, allowing users to generate effective torque with minimal effort through a natural gripping motion
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member's elastic properties allow it to deform and store energy during the gripping process, then release this energy to assist in applying torque to the lid, reducing the force the user must directly apply
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
Enables convenient and robust gripping of containers, allowing anyone to easily open even the tightest lids with minimal effort, regardless of age or dexterity, using a single wrench device.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member extends through the opening in the handle, thereby forming a loop that can surround and grip the object
Implementation Method 2
The flexible member is preferably a substantially flat strap, because such would provide a maximum contact area with the object to be gripped
Implementation Method 3
a rounded protrusion at its proximal end, adjacent to the opening and on a side of the opening that is opposite to the flexible member attachment means, for pressing the flexible member against the gripped object when the device is in use. This protrusion serves as a means for 'locking' the flexible member, and preventing slippage
Implementation Method 4
The wrench's strap is its contact with nearly the entire circumference of the round object, and thus can apply the torsional force received from the handle which serves as a lever and that, depending on its length, multiplies the mechanical advantage
Implementation Method 5
the handle which serves as a lever and that, depending on its length, multiplies the mechanical advantage
Data Source
AI summary
A strap wrench device includes (a) an elongate, flexible member having a first end and a second end; and (b) an elongate handle having a proximal end, a distal end, a face side and a back side. The handle is configured to be conveniently held in a user's right hand with its proximal end extending toward the object to be gripped. The proximal end of the handle has a means on its right side (when held by a user with its the face side upward) for attaching the first end of the flexible member. It also has an opening adjacent the handle's left side through which the second end of the flexible member can pass. The flexible member extends through the opening in the handle, thereby forming a loop that can surround and grip an object. The flexible member then extends further along the left side of the handle toward the handle's distal end. The handle includes a rounded protrusion at its proximal end, adjacent to the opening and on a side of the opening that is opposite to the flexible member attachment means, for pressing the flexible member against the gripped object when the device is in use.