Universal Handle Device with Rotatable Yoke and Helical Capture Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle devices for resistive cords and bands are not adaptable to different resistances or orientations, requiring multiple handles and limiting exercise and rehabilitative benefits.
Innovation Solution
A universal handle device featuring a U-shaped yoke with rotatable handle ends and a capture cap with a helical track, allowing for secure attachment and adjustable orientation of cords, tubes, or cloth, enabling easy switching between different resistances and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed handles are used for resistive cords, then each handle is securely attached to a specific cord, but multiple handles are needed for different resistances and orientations, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The handle device is designed with a universal attachment mechanism featuring a U-shaped yoke with openings that can receive ends of various cords, tubes, or cloth through a capture cap with helical track. This allows a single handle to securely attach to multiple different resistive cords of varying resistances, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated handles and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle incorporates rotatable connections at the U-shaped yoke openings, allowing the handle to rotate and change orientation relative to the cord. This dynamic capability enables the handle to adapt to different exercise orientations (perpendicular or parallel to cord axis) without requiring multiple fixed-orientation handles, thereby improving versatility while using a single device.
2Reliability
If handles are fixed to specific bands or cords, then secure attachment is achieved, but changing resistance requires using a new cord with its own handle, resulting in needless costs
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into separate components: the U-shaped yoke with openings, the capture cap with helical track, and the cord end. This segmentation allows the handle mechanism to remain constant while different cord ends can be attached and detached independently. The capture cap can be rotated to lock or release different cords, enabling easy resistance changes without compromising attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle design allows the cord to be easily released from the capture cap by rotating it in the releasing direction, enabling the cord to be discarded (removed) and a different cord to be attached (recovered) to the same handle. This facilitates resistance progression by allowing users to swap cords while retaining the handle investment.
3Ease of manufacture
If handles have fixed orientation with respect to the cord, then manufacturing is simplified, but the user cannot change orientation to achieve maximum exercise benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is connected to the U-shaped yoke through rotatable joints at the openings, allowing the handle to dynamically adjust its orientation angle relative to the cord axis. This mechanical freedom of rotation enables users to position the handle perpendicular or parallel to the cord depending on exercise requirements, while the manufacturing remains relatively simple using standard rotatable connection components.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for releasably retaining a cord or flexible tube. The device includes a U-shaped yoke and a rotatable handle sized for gripping by the hand of a user. The cord or flexible tube is releasably received by a capture cap and can emanate directly therefrom or be routed to a loop located at the end of the handle in order to alter its orientation.