Articulating Tool Head Pin Mechanism for Multi-Angle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld working tools with elongate shafts lack the ability to articulate or rotate the tool head to multiple angles relative to the shaft, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in reaching and operating at desired positions.
Innovation Solution
A working tool with an articulating mechanism between the tool head and shaft, featuring a pin-based articulating head connection and attachment, allowing the tool head to rotate through a range of angles via a shaft for rotation, and optionally a motorized mechanism for precise angle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tool head is fixed to the shaft, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the tool cannot articulate to multiple angles relative to the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head is made dynamically adjustable relative to the shaft through an articulation mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component on the shaft, a second component on the tool head, and a selective coupling system that allows the tool head to be positioned at multiple discrete angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the shaft axis, transforming a static fixed connection into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a first component attached to the shaft, a second component attached to the tool head, and a selective coupling system with multiple receiving openings. This segmentation allows independent positioning of each component while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling multi-angle articulation without requiring a completely redesign of the tool assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a articulation mechanism with multiple receiving openings is used, then the tool head can be positioned at multiple angles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism provides dynamic adjustability by allowing the tool head to be selectively coupled at multiple discrete angles. The first component on the shaft and the second component on the tool head work together with a selective coupling system that enables the tool head to be positioned at various angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the shaft axis, transforming a static fixed connection into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The second component on the tool head includes multiple receiving openings that naturally guide the coupling element into the correct position, and the selective coupling system automatically maintains the tool head at the selected angle without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems.
3Length of moving object
If the tool shaft is extended to increase reach, then the operational range is improved, but the tool becomes less maneuverable in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head is made dynamically adjustable relative to the shaft through an articulation mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component on the shaft, a second component on the tool head, and a selective coupling system that allows the tool head to be positioned at multiple discrete angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the shaft axis, transforming a static fixed connection into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism adds an angular dimension to the tool's positioning capability. While the shaft provides linear reach extension, the articulating tool head introduces rotational freedom, allowing the user to access targets in three-dimensional space by adjusting both the shaft length/position and the tool head angle, effectively adding another degree of freedom to the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A working tool with an articulation mechanism between a tool head and a tool shaft is provided. The working tool includes a tool head and an elongate shaft. The tool head is configured to articulate relative to the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft includes an articulating head connection having a pin. The tool head includes an articulating head attachment configured to couple with the articulating head connection and has at least two receiving openings for receiving the pin. The working tool further includes a shaft for rotation extending through the articulating head connection and the articulating head attachment. The shaft forms an axis of rotation for the tool head.