Adjustable Hand Net Handle with Telescopic Pivot Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

State-of-the-art hand nets suffer from lack of adjustability, cumbersome size, and poor ergonomics, making them difficult to handle and requiring significant storage space.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable hand net device with a yoke and handle assembly that can be secured in various positions using an actuator assembly, featuring a handle lock, fulcrum, and spring mechanism, allowing the handle to pivot between stow and extended positions, and an extension actuator for telescopic handle adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the handle assembly is made fixed and non-adjustable, then the device structure is simple, but the ergonomics and adaptability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle length adjustabilityVSAvoidhandle assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The telescopic handle includes movable sections that can be extended or retracted, and the handle lock mechanism allows the handle length to be adjusted during use. This dynamic design enables users to customize handle length for different applications and user preferences, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity by making the complexity worthwhile through enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly is segmented into multiple sections: a fixed section, a telescopic section with movable segments, and a handle lock mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each section, enabling flexible length customization while keeping the overall structure manageable. The segmented design resolves the contradiction by breaking down the complex adjustment functionality into manageable, modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the handle assembly is extended for better reach, then the usability is improved, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle reach and usabilityVSAvoidstorage space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic handle employs a nesting principle where movable handle sections are housed within the fixed handle section. When not in use, the extended portions can be retracted into the main handle body, creating a compact storage configuration. This nesting design allows the handle to provide extended reach during operation while minimizing storage volume, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and volume of moving object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly transitions between two dynamic states: an extended state for improved reach during operation, and a retracted state for compact storage. The handle lock mechanism enables easy transition between these states. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the handle to adapt its volume based on operational needs rather than requiring maximum storage space for all times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the handle lock mechanism is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing the handle decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle lock securing capabilityVSAvoidactuator assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle lock mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded actuator that automatically engages and disengages the lock based on handle position. The spring provides automatic resetting capability, and the bear-claw grip design allows the lock to self-engage when the handle is properly positioned. This self-service mechanism achieves reliable securing without requiring complex manual operation or additional control systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handle position and the lock engagement. It translates handle movement into automatic lock engagement or disengagement, providing reliable securing while simplifying the user interface. The spring mediator absorbs mechanical energy and provides smooth, controlled locking action, resolving the contradiction by using the intermediary spring to achieve reliable locking without complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the yoke is made fixed without pivot capability, then the device structure is simpler, but the ergonomics and adaptability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyoke position adjustabilityVSAvoidyoke mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke is designed with pivot capability, transforming it from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic articulated joint. The hinge mechanism allows the yoke to pivot relative to the basket, enabling adjustment of the net angle and position. This dynamic design provides adaptability for different fishing scenarios and user positions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity by enabling necessary movement while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the yoke and basket is segmented into movable joints rather than a single rigid connection. The hinge mechanism creates distinct rotational degrees of freedom, allowing independent adjustment of yoke angle. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by breaking down the rigid structure into articulated segments that can adapt to different configurations while maintaining overall structural coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design provides improved ergonomics, reduces storage space requirements, and enhances usability by allowing for customizable handle length and secure object retention during use and transport.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator assembly can comprise a constant force spring that applies an engagement force to the handle lock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The fulcrum can allow the handle lock to pivot between an engagement position and a disengagement position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

The hinge can guide the proximal end of the handle assembly as the handle assembly pivots about an axis of the hinge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS11570974B2Adjustable hand net device and handle
Publication Date: 2023.02.07 PLANO MOLDING CO LLC
  • US11570974B2 patent drawing
  • US11570974B2 patent drawing
  • US11570974B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hand net device that includes a basket that receives and holds an object, a yoke that has a yoke body coupled to the basket, and a handle assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being adjustably coupled to the yoke body, wherein the yoke body guides the handle assembly between a stow position and an extended position.