Articulating Tool Holder for Extension Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders attached to extension poles lack the ability to articulate and adjust to different angles and positions, limiting their effectiveness in reaching high or hard-to-access areas, such as painting door moldings or capturing panoramic views with cameras.
Innovation Solution
A Remote Acting Articulating Tool Holder (RAATH) with a telescoping extension pole, a sliding hand grip, and a tool holder that rotates in two planes, allowing tools to be positioned and repositioned freely, enabling tools like paint brushes, cameras, and spray nozzles to be used at various angles and heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tool is simply attached to the end of an extension pole, then the reach distance is extended, but the tool cannot be positioned at different angles or orientations to access hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder incorporates articulation joints that allow dynamic movement between the extension pole and the tool. Specifically, the tool holder can pivot relative to the pole axis, enabling the tool to be positioned at various angles and orientations. This dynamic capability transforms a static attachment into an adaptable positioning system, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by introducing minimal movable components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tool holder is used on an extension pole, then the structure remains simple, but the user cannot adjust the tool angle for different tasks such as painting door moldings or capturing panoramic views
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism allows the tool holder to pivot freely to achieve desired angles while maintaining ease of operation through natural human manipulation. The joint design enables smooth rotation and positioning without requiring complex controls, combining adaptability with operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is attached to the end of a hiking pole, then the distance from the user is increased, but the camera cannot be rotated to capture panoramic views or change shooting angles
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating tool holder provides the camera with rotational freedom around the pole axis and articulation at the joint, enabling panoramic photography and various shooting angles. The mechanism remains relatively simple, using basic pivot joints rather than complex motorized systems, thus achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder and spray nozzle on an extension pole. In a preferred embodiment the device uses an extension pole with a brush retention mechanism on the end of the pole. The extension pole has a spray brush on the end of the pole configured to spray stain or paint in front of the brush as the brush travels along a deck or other substrate.