Articulated Handle Lever Shock Absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock-absorbing devices for implement handles, such as shovels, are inadequate in effectively absorbing lifting loads and providing energy storage for enhanced heaving capabilities, particularly when encountering dense materials like ice or rocks.
Innovation Solution
An elongated handle with an articulated joint and a lever portion that pivots to form a triangle with the handle profile, mounting resilient members between the lever and handle, allowing energy storage and shock absorption through angular deflection, and adjustable stiffness via movable brackets and flexible members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a linear compression device is used in the handle, then shock absorption in axial loads is improved, but energy storage for lifting loads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static linear compression device into a dynamic articulated system with a lever that can pivot about a joint. This dynamic configuration allows the resilient member to store energy during the lifting motion by pivoting the lever through an acute angle, converting axial compression into rotational movement that accumulates elastic energy for enhanced heaving capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional linear compression device. By introducing an articulated joint and lever mechanism, the system transitions from one-dimensional axial compression to two-dimensional angular deflection, enabling the resilient member to store energy through pivoting motion in addition to compression.
2Power
If an articulated resilient leveraging feature is added to provide force assisting boost, then energy storage and heaving capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated joint mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a shock absorber during impact, an energy storage device during lifting, and a force multiplying lever during heaving. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving force assisting boost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the resilient member's mechanical properties, allowing it to transition between different states of energy storage and release. By adjusting the angular deflection range and lever geometry, the system optimizes energy storage capacity without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the lever pivots within an acute angle range, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but handle flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The acute angle pivot range is pre-configured to optimize energy storage during the specific motion sequence of lifting and heaving. The lever is designed to pivot through this predetermined acute angle during the power stroke, storing energy efficiently, while the overall handle structure maintains sufficient flexibility for various loading conditions and user positions.
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 solution enhances shock absorption and energy storage, enabling users to lift heavier loads with reduced effort and improved handling of dense materials, while allowing for stackable and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient member is capable of storing energy when applied by the pivoting of the lever within the range during the motion of engaging a load characterized by the translation of the apex of the triangle with respect to the base causing the resilient member to absorb shock and store energy
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting implement, such as a shovel has a handle and a load bearing member. The handle includes an articulated joint dividing the handle between a major portion and a lever portion. The lever is adapted to pivot within the range of an acute angle relative to the handle profile. The lever and the major portion of the handle each have a means for mounting a resilient member therebetween, where the resilient member is capable of absorbing shock and storing energy when urged by the pivoting of the lever within the range during the motion of lifting a load, and which stored energy is released when the load is being heaved by the implement. The handle may include a hand grip and a gripping portion on the major portion spaced from the articulated joint such that a triangle is formed with the hand grip, the gripping portion and the articulated joint at the apex of the triangle, wherein the apex of the triangle.