Adjustable Head Hand Tool with Dual Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools with fixed head positions often make it difficult for users to engage and maneuver work pieces effectively, as maintaining the position of the head relative to the handle while transmitting force is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool design featuring a position-adjustable head with a primary and secondary locking mechanism, allowing the head to pivot relative to the handle and be securely fixed in various positions, including alignment for use as a breaker bar, using a sleeve switch and locking balls to engage detents for precise positioning and force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the head is fixed in a position aligned with the handle, then the tool structure is simple, but it becomes difficult for the user to engage the work piece and maneuver the handle effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The head is made dynamically adjustable relative to the handle through a pivot joint, allowing the user to change the angular position of the head during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling easy engagement of work pieces at various angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into a handle portion and a head portion that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the head to be positioned at different angles while the handle maintains its grip-friendly orientation, solving the operational difficulty without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the head is made movable relative to the handle, then the user can change the angle of the handle relative to the head, but it becomes difficult to maintain the position of the handle while effectively transmitting force through the handle to the head
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged preliminarily after positioning the head at the desired angle. The user first adjusts the head to the required angular position, then activates the locking mechanism (via the sleeve switch moving locking balls into detents) to secure the position before applying force. This preliminary locking action ensures both adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the movable head and the handle. It provides a mechanical connection that maintains the selected angular position while allowing force transmission, resolving the contradiction between movability and position stability.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to fix the head position relative to the handle, then the position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a spring-loaded system. When the sleeve switch is moved to the locked position, the spring automatically pushes the locking balls into engagement with the detents on the head. This self-service mechanism provides reliable position stability without requiring complex actuation systems, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool includes a head and a handle. The head is pivotally mounted to the handle, permitting the position of the head to be changed relative to the handle. In addition, the tool includes a primary locking mechanism and a secondary locking mechanism. The primarily locking mechanism primarily fixes the head relative to the handle in a particular position. The secondary locking mechanism can be used to further lock the head and handle. The locking mechanisms are actuated by movement of a sleeve which is located on the handle.