Adjustable Handle Earth Auger for Seated Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-actuated earth augers are unable to be efficiently lifted out of wet clay or wet sand using a seated calf raise due to the limitation of tee handle height adjustment only being possible when the auger is removed from the ground, and they require multiple connectors, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A hand-actuated earth auger with a tee handle that can be clamped at any height along the stem rod, allowing two different heights configurations, enabling the operator to perform a seated calf raise for easier lifting, and reducing the need for multiple stem-segment connectors by allowing the stem rod to be fabricated in fewer segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tee handle height is fixed and cannot be adjusted during operation, then the structure is simple, but the operator cannot perform seated calf raises to lift the auger out of wet clay or wet sand
Solution Approach 1:
The handle collar is made movable along the stem rod, allowing the tee handle height to be dynamically adjusted during operation. The collar can slide to different positions and be secured at any height, enabling the operator to perform seated calf raises by positioning the handle across the upper legs, while maintaining a relatively simple clamping mechanism without complex adjustment devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If the stem rod is divided into multiple segments requiring multiple connectors, then the assembly is more flexible, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stem rod is designed with a universal connector system that allows the same connector type to be used for joining stem segments at different configurations. The handle collar can be positioned at any height along the stem rod, providing versatility in handle positioning without requiring different connector types or additional components, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining assembly flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-actuated earth auger of the type used to drill water wells, for taking soil samples, or other similar purposes is disclosed. It consists of a spiral or bladed earth drill, extended with one stem rod consisting of one or more stem segments, and one tee handle mounted on a handle collar. The handle collar can be clamped at any height along the stem rod, while the tee handle can be attached to the handle collar in two configurations, resulting in two different heights of the handle. These features allow the operator to lift the auger out of the ground by doing a seated calf raise in two quick increments, corresponding to the two configurations of the tee handle. It also allows the stem rod to be assembled of fewer, but longer stem segments, thus saving on cost.