Angled Spreader Rake Tool for Aggregate Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools are inadequate for efficiently moving and smoothing aggregate materials, such as gravel and stone, which are crucial for creating a crack-resistant concrete surface, as they lack the necessary rigidity and functionality to handle materials of varying sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A combined spreader and rake tool with a rigid steel blade and angled plate portions, allowing for use in a standing position, featuring a toothed edge for raking and a level edge for spreading, designed to reduce user fatigue and enhance operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing hand tools are used for moving aggregate materials, then the operator can perform the task, but the tools lack sufficient rigidity and effectiveness for efficient movement and smoothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a spreader and a rake into a single integrated tool head. The tool head includes a blade portion with a rake edge having teeth for raking aggregate, and a spreading edge for leveling and smoothing aggregate. This merging of functions allows the operator to perform multiple tasks with one tool, significantly improving productivity when moving and smoothing aggregate materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool head is constructed from rigid steel material that provides both strength and durability. The use of steel ensures the blade maintains its rigidity when contacting heavy aggregate materials, while still allowing the teeth to effectively penetrate and move the material. The rigid construction addresses the strength requirement for efficient aggregate handling.
2Productivity
If the tool is designed for effective aggregate handling, then productivity improves, but the tool becomes heavier and more difficult to operate from a standing position
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is positioned at an angle relative to the blade, creating a ergonomic configuration that allows the operator to stand upright while applying force to the tool. This angular arrangement optimizes the mechanical advantage and distributes the operating forces in a manner that reduces fatigue, making it easier to operate the heavy-duty tool from a standing position throughout the day.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool has multiple functions for different tasks, then versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spreader blade and rake teeth into a single unified tool head structure. The blade portion contains both the rake edge with teeth and the spreading edge, eliminating the need for separate tools. This merging approach provides versatility for handling various surface materials including aggregate, dirt, and debris, while keeping the structure relatively simple and easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool includes a tool handle and a tool head having a body portion, with the handle secured to a back support plate portion which connects normal relative to the back plate portion, a first plate portion extending from a first side of the back plate portion having a toothed edge and a second plate portion extending from a second side of the back plate portion having a level edge, wherein each of the plate portions extend at an angle of from between 5 to 45 degrees relative to the back support plate portion.