Adjustable-Angle Tool With Spring-Assisted Multi-Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand tools, such as wrenches, require cumbersome adjustment mechanisms and often limit configurations to straight or 90-degree angles, compromising their effectiveness in various working environments, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A transformation mechanism with a toggle button and slide seats allows for quick and stable angular adjustments of the tool handle and element, enabling multiple positions including 0, 45, 60, and 90 degrees, using a non-circular engagement hole and slide grooves with a spring-assisted engaging system for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed seat with push rod and latching unit is used for adjustment, then the tool can maintain stable positioning, but the adjustment process becomes slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed seat into a dynamic adjustable structure. The element can rotate relative to the handle and lock at multiple angular positions (0°, 45°, 60°, 90°). The spring mechanism provides dynamic feedback to maintain stable positioning while allowing quick adjustment between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into separable components: handle, element, and transformation mechanism. The element can be independently adjusted to different angular positions relative to the handle, allowing flexible configuration for different working conditions while maintaining stable locking at each position.
2Reliability
If a gear with teeth and groove engagement is used, then the handle can be locked at specific angles, but excessive force causes slipping and compromises position-locking
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the element and the handle. The spring provides continuous contact force to maintain engagement between the element's positioning feature and the handle's receiving feature, preventing slipping under excessive force while allowing controlled adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement mechanism from rigid gear teeth to a spring-based system that can adapt to force variations. The spring mechanism maintains consistent engagement pressure across different torque conditions, preventing the slipping that occurs with rigid toothed engagement under excessive load.
3Device complexity
If the handle is limited to straight and 90-degree configurations, then the structure remains simple, but the tool lacks adaptability for various working environments
Solution Approach 1:
The element serves multiple functions: it can be positioned at 0°, 45°, 60°, or 90° relative to the handle depending on working conditions. This multi-position capability allows a single tool to adapt to various confined spaces and working environments while maintaining relatively simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformation mechanism enables the element to dynamically change its angular position relative to the handle. The spring-assisted locking system allows the element to be quickly adjusted to the optimal angle for each specific working condition, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool with adjustable configurations comprises a handle, an element, and a transformation mechanism. The handle extends along a first reference axis. The element extends along a second reference axis and includes a non-circular engagement hole. The transformation mechanism comprises a first slide seat with a first slide groove having first and second engaging portions, and a toggle button simultaneously engaged with the engagement hole and first slide groove. The toggle button has a third engaging portion that maintains engagement with the engagement hole while being switchable between multiple positions including: a transformation position allowing element rotation, a first fixed position maintaining the second reference axis parallel to the first reference axis, and a second fixed position maintaining the second reference axis perpendicular to the first reference axis.