Adaptive Handheld Tool Handle for Confined-Space Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handheld tools, such as screwdrivers, face difficulties in operating in confined spaces due to size limitations, leading to inefficient and obstructed rotations.

Innovation Solution

A handheld tool with a ranging apparatus and controller that measures the radius of rotation of the handle body using techniques like infrared, laser, or ultrasonic ranging technologies, allowing the tool to adjust its shape dynamically based on the measured radius and operating strength to ensure unobstructed operation in limited spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the handle body is made longer to provide better leverage and operating strength, then the operating strength is improved, but the tool cannot rotate in confined spaces with limited radius

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating strengthVSAvoidrotation in confined space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle body transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The controller receives radius information from the ranging apparatus and automatically adjusts the handle body length to match the available rotation space, optimizing both leverage and maneuverability based on real-time spatial conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameter of handle body length is changed dynamically based on the measured radius of rotation. The system modifies the effective length parameter to adapt to different working environments, transforming the handle from a static component to one with variable dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the handle body is made shorter to enable rotation in confined spaces, then the ease of operation in limited spaces is improved, but the operating strength and leverage are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation in confined spaceVSAvoidoperating strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The handle body becomes a dynamic structure that can extend or retract based on spatial requirements. When operating in confined spaces, the handle automatically shortens to fit the limited radius, while maintaining the capability to extend for full leverage when space permits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle body length parameter is adjusted in real-time based on the ranging apparatus measurements. The system optimizes the length parameter to balance between maneuverability in confined spaces and operational strength when space allows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed shape handle body is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different working environments and space constraints is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle structureVSAvoidadaptation to working environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle body serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and an adjustable component that adapts to various working conditions. The same handle structure can function in both confined spaces and open areas by changing its dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized handles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of the handle body dimensions based on automatic detection of the working environment by the ranging apparatus. The controller autonomously modifies the handle configuration without requiring manual intervention, making the tool self-adaptive to different spatial constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If manual adjustment of handle shape is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and operational efficiency are decreased due to time-consuming adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle body adjustment system operates autonomously by detecting the working environment through the ranging apparatus and automatically modifying the handle dimensions. This eliminates manual adjustment operations, allowing the tool to adapt instantly to different spatial conditions without interrupting the workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ranging apparatus provides real-time feedback about the available rotation radius to the controller, which then adjusts the handle body dimensions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the handle is always optimally configured for the current working environment, maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 efficient operation in confined environments by automatically adjusting the handle's length, thickness, and shape to avoid obstacles, enhancing the tool's ability to complete tasks without manual intervention and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the radius of rotation by using a first scanning ranging technique, wherein the first scanning ranging technique includes at least one of an infrared ranging technology, a laser ranging technology, and an ultrasonic ranging technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared ranging: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

measuring the radius of rotation by using a first scanning ranging technique, wherein the first scanning ranging technique includes at least one of an infrared ranging technology, a laser ranging technology, and an ultrasonic ranging technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ranging: LIDAR

Implementation Method 3

measuring the radius of rotation by using a first scanning ranging technique, wherein the first scanning ranging technique includes at least one of an infrared ranging technology, a laser ranging technology, and an ultrasonic ranging technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic ranging: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP3335840B1Handheld tool, method for adjusting shape of handle body and apparatus using the same
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3335840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3335840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3335840B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a handheld tool, a method of adjusting a shape of a handle body and an apparatus using the same. The handheld tool includes a tool head (101); a handle body (102) connected to the tool head (101); a ranger (103) configured to scan and measure a radius of rotation of the handle body (102), wherein the radius of rotation of the handle body (102) indicates a minimum value of a maximum unobstructed length of the handle body (102) in each radial direction of a rotation direction; and a controller (104) connected to the handle body (102) and the ranger (103) and configured to: detect an operation instruction with regard to the tool, and in response to the operation instruction, control the ranger (103) to measure the radius of rotation of the handle body (102) and adjust a shape of the handle body (102) based on the measured radius of rotation.