Articulating Tool Holder for Remote Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders attached to poles lack the ability to articulate and adjust to different positions and angles, 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) that includes a telescoping pole with a tool holder that can rotate in two planes, allowing the tool to be positioned and repositioned by a sliding hand grip connected via a flexible or solid linkage, enabling tools like paint brushes and cameras to be used at various angles and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tool is simply attached to the end of a pole, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tool cannot be positioned at different angles or locations to reach hard-to-access areas
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is designed with articulation joints that allow dynamic movement and positioning at multiple angles. The holder can pivot and rotate to accommodate different tool orientations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various positioning requirements while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is divided into multiple articulated segments or joints that can move independently. This segmentation allows each part to contribute to the overall positioning capability, enabling the tool to reach various angles and locations without requiring a completely complex monolithic structure.
2Ease of operation
If a camera is attached to the end of a hiking pole, then the basic function is achieved, but the user cannot easily rotate or adjust the camera angle for panoramic views or different shooting angles
Solution Approach 1:
The camera holder incorporates rotational joints that enable easy manual rotation and angle adjustment. These dynamic components allow the user to smoothly change camera orientation for panoramic views or different shooting angles without requiring complex motorized systems or multiple attachment points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a paint brush or roller is attached to an extension pole, then the user can extend reach, but the tool cannot be turned or angled to reach top edges of door moldings or apply paint at various angles
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder uses articulation joints with appropriate friction or detent mechanisms that allow the user to easily adjust and lock the tool at various angles. This dynamic design enables painting at different orientations (vertical, horizontal, angled) without requiring a complex multi-axis positioning system.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulated tool holder on an extension pole. The device uses an extension pole with a pivoting tool holder on the end of the pole. The tool holder is connected to a sliding hand grip on the extension pole, movement of which causes the tool holder to rotate so the tool can be used in different positions from the extension pole.