Telescoping Plunger Handle with Key Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Toilet plungers with fixed handles and separate holders pose storage challenges due to their height, and telescoping handles, while offering flexibility, can be less sturdy and prone to disengagement, leading to sanitary concerns and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping handle with a key channel and integrated key stop, combined with an O-ring and interference gland, ensures the handle remains locked in position during use and retracts securely for storage, preventing unwanted movement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a telescoping handle is used, then the device can be stored more compactly and leverage is maintained, but the handle becomes less sturdy and prone to disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping handle uses nested tubes where one tube is inserted inside another, allowing the handle to collapse to a compact size for storage while maintaining its full extended length for use. This nesting mechanism directly resolves the contradiction by enabling compact storage without sacrificing structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic telescoping design that can adjust between extended and retracted states. This dynamic capability allows the handle to adapt to different operational requirements, providing leverage when extended and compact storage when retracted, while locking mechanisms ensure stability during use.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is extended for leverage, then usability is improved, but the device becomes too tall for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping handle provides dynamic length adjustment, extending to provide adequate leverage during plunging operations, then collapsing to a compact size for storage. This dynamic transformation directly addresses the contradiction between needing extended length for operational effectiveness and requiring compact dimensions for storage.
3Volume of moving object
If a fixed handle is used, then the device is simple and sturdy, but it cannot be stored compactly and increases splashback risk
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tube structure allows the handle to collapse into a compact form for storage while maintaining structural integrity. This nesting approach provides the storage compactness benefit without requiring completely redesigning the handle architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic telescoping mechanism replaces the static fixed handle, adding the capability for length adjustment while maintaining relative structural simplicity through the use of nested tubes and locking features.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may comprise a lower handle and an upper handle. The lower handle may further comprise an opening disposed along the length of the lower handle, a key channel disposed on an inner surface of the lower handle, and a key stop integrally formed with the key channel. The upper handle may further comprise an integrally formed key to engage with the key channel, a spring clip including a spring clip button and an O-ring. The upper handle may further include an integrally formed top handle extending perpendicular to the upper handle.