Tentacle Handle

Preface

Typically, cabinets that contain fine china have very simplistic, small door knobs (depicted below) to complement their wooden aesthetic. Often, it is difficult to wrap your fingers around this structure because of their size. Most ergonomic handles have a smooth surface with subtle grooves for your hand to settle in. Door knobs are used in standard US homes, however, they pose an issue for handicapped individuals, which is why many buildings have made a switch to lever-handle styles. Rather than focusing on making the handle form to an average hand, I chose to create a handle that had multiple lever arms for additional style.

Idea Generation

To find a balance between comfort and aesthetics, I found myself sketching many nautical designs for a door knob and lever-hand mechanism. Below are my two initial designs that I was very drawn to. Although both designs had very distinct detailing, I selected the octopus handle for my final product because of the intricate 3D nature.

Although the octopus design was captivating on the surface, I could foresee logistical problems.

Potential Issues

• Structural Integrity
• Lever Arm Torque
• Ergonomic Grip

Design Phase

In pursuing the octopus design, there were three main components I would need to create: (1) the tentacles, (2) the base, and (3) the suckers. I began by making the tentacles through a series of rolling and raking the clay into a spear form. In preparation for the next project (silicone mold casting of this model), I only made 4 tentacles which would be casted twice in order to create a reflected image adding up to 8 tentacles.

Once I made four straight tentacles, I proceeded to build the base, which needed to blend seamlessly into the tentacles. After packing on clay to create the mound, I burrowed a hole using the end of a clay tool with a similar diameter. By placing the tentacle end into the hole, I packed clay to fill in the gaps to ensure that the base was secure. 

Next, I manipulated the tentacle to a free form shape to mimic actual tentacles. I made sure that each shape was unique.

After the shape was solidified, I cleaned up the surface using a toothbrush because I did not have sandpaper handy. I found this trick online and overall was pleased with the finish after following up with a damp sponge.

Since the base was formed quickly, I needed to tackle the bottom of it because it wasn't quite level with the table. I packed clay along the edges of the base to achieve the desired elevation and then tackled the inside by filling it in with more clay. Lastly, I smoothed the surface with a wooden straight-edge and finished it off with the toothbrush.

The last feature of this piece was the suckers. I developed two methods to create these shapes. The large and small suckers were created using the process depicted in the following two photos.

Finally after touching up some of surfaces not covered by the suckers, the product was ready for the public eye! Below is a summary of my process work and the final design both featured on and off of a makeshift cabinet.

Lastly, here are multiple ways that the tentacle handles can be gripped. With the clearance between and underneath the tentacles, it is up to the user how to determine how they feel most comfortable.