Adapter Connection for Garden Tools with Spring-Locked Pawl
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool attachment systems with complex locking mechanisms are prone to errors and are not robustly designed, making them inefficient and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A simplified adapter device with a clamping lever and a locking mechanism featuring a pivotable pawl, which is held in place by a spring element, allowing for easy operation and minimizing the number of moving parts, ensuring a robust and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the tool holder, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a clamping lever for securing the tool holder and a separate pivotable pawl for locking the clamping lever. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate subsystem (the pawl) that can independently lock the clamping lever. This extraction allows the locking mechanism to be simplified and attached directly to the clamping lever, reducing the need for complex integrated mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple moving parts is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into simple, manufacturable segments: a clamping lever with a groove and a separate pawl with a blocking section. These segmented components can be manufactured using standard processes and assembled straightforwardly, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured cost-effectively. The clamping lever and pawl are designed as basic mechanical elements without complex features, reducing manufacturing costs while providing sufficient reliability for the application.
3Ease of manufacture
If a robust design with minimal moving parts is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the locking reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple pawl component that can be easily manufactured and attached to the clamping lever. This extraction maintains robustness with minimal moving parts while ensuring reliable locking through the dedicated pawl mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl automatically engages with the stop surface on the adapter body when the clamping lever is in the clamping position, providing self-locking functionality. This self-service mechanism ensures reliability without requiring additional complex components or active control systems.
4Device complexity
If the locking device is attached to the clamping lever rather than the adapter body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the locking mechanism may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl is designed as a pivotable component that dynamically adjusts to lock the clamping lever in place. This dynamic design allows the locking mechanism to maintain stability while keeping the overall system simple and adaptable to the clamping lever's movements.
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
The adapter device provides a reliable, error-proof, and cost-effective solution for securing tool holders with a simple design that reduces wear and tear, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly without the need for screws.
Implementation Method 1
the pawl being held in the blocking position by a spring element
Implementation Method 2
A clamping device with a clamping lever for clamping the tool holder accommodated in the receptacle without play
Implementation Method 3
a pivotable pawl, which is held in place by a spring element, allowing for easy operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adapter device (1) for a tool device, in particular a garden tool, comprising an adapter body (10), wherein the adapter body (10) includes a receptacle (12) for a tool holder (3), and wherein a clamping device (2) with a clamping lever (21) for clamping the tool holder (3) received in the receptacle (12) is arranged on or around the adapter body (10). The clamping lever (21) is pivotable between a release position and a clamping position. Furthermore, a locking device (26) is provided to lock the clamping lever (21) in the clamping position, the locking device being arranged on the clamping lever (21).