Adjustable Handle Configuration for Powered Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handle configurations for powered handheld implements, such as weed trimmers and brush cutters, lead to wrist strain, poor posture, and inefficient operation due to stressful handhold positions and weight distribution, making prolonged use uncomfortable and prone to injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Innovation Solution
The proposed handle configuration features an elongated member with adjustable and pivotable handholds that allow users to grip the implement with both arms in neutral positions, reducing strain and enabling precise control and comfortable operation by distributing the weight and force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional handholds are positioned as described, then the implement can be held and operated, but the wrist is forced into a stressful position of ulnar deviation which can cause carpal tunnel syndrome
Solution Approach 1:
The handholds are made adjustable in position and angle along the shaft, allowing the user to dynamically reposition them to achieve a neutral wrist alignment. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by enabling easy operation while eliminating the harmful ulnar deviation position through user-controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The handholds incorporate adjustable parameters including position along the shaft and angular orientation, allowing modification of the geometric parameters to achieve optimal ergonomics. By changing these parameters, the system maintains ease of operation while removing the harmful wrist position, directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If the second handhold is positioned midway along the shaft, then the implement can be controlled, but the holding arm must be outstretched which forces the wrist into a weak pronated gripping position and causes poor posture
Solution Approach 1:
The second handhold is made adjustable in position along the shaft and in angular orientation, allowing the user to dynamically position it to achieve a neutral wrist alignment. This eliminates the need for an outstretched arm and pronated grip, resolving the contradiction between control capability and wrist health.
Solution Approach 2:
The handhold adjustment mechanism adds dimensional freedom in both axial position and angular orientation, transforming a fixed two-dimensional handhold into a three-dimensional adjustable structure. This enables the user to achieve proper wrist alignment without outstretched arms, eliminating poor posture while maintaining control.
3Ease of operation
If conventional handholds are used, then the implement can be supported by the wrist and arm, but small accurate movements of the energetic device in tight spaces and for tilted cutting on uneven or sloped terrain are prohibitively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable handholds allow the user to dynamically reposition and reorient the grip to achieve optimal angles for precise control. This enables accurate movements of the energetic device in tight spaces and on uneven terrain while maintaining easy support, resolving the contradiction between support ease and movement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the position and angular orientation parameters of the handholds, the system optimizes the leverage and control geometry for precise movements. This parameter adjustment enables accurate control in challenging environments while maintaining easy support, directly addressing the technical contradiction.
4Ease of operation
If the first handhold includes a control device, then operation can be controlled, but the shape and location force the wrist to assume a stressful position
Solution Approach 1:
The first handhold with control device is made adjustable in position and angle, allowing the user to reposition it to achieve a neutral wrist alignment. This maintains the functionality of control operation while eliminating the harmful wrist position through dynamic adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable parameters of position and angular orientation allow the control device to be positioned optimally for operation while maintaining a healthy wrist alignment. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by preserving control functionality while removing wrist strain.
Data Source
AI summary
Handle configurations are disclosed for powered implements having a shaft, allowing the implements to be holdable by both hands of a user. An exemplary implement has an elongated shaft having first and second end portions. A first handhold is adjustably mounted to the shaft and extends outwardly therefrom. A second handhold is adjustably mounted either to the shaft or to an elongated member coupled to the shaft. The elongated member can include a mounting portion and a handle portion providing the second handhold. The mounting portion mounts to the first end portion at a mounting location. The first and second handholds allow operation of the implement by a user with arms in respective neutral arm positions and hands in respective neutral gripping positions. The elongated member allows transmission of a force applied to the second handhold by the user through the elongated member and to the elongated shaft at the mounting location.