Auxiliary Handle Lag Hinge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary handles for hand-held power tools require multiple revolutions to release the lag hinge, leading to increased adjustment time and potential misalignment during locking, causing the handle to pivot unintentionally.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a pivotable locking member that locks and releases the lag hinge independently, allowing for quick pivoting of the gripping member without releasing the auxiliary handle's locking mechanism, and includes a safety element to prevent inadvertent release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking device uses toothing and counter-toothing elements that must be spaced by at least the height of the teeth, then the lag hinge can be released, but multiple revolutions of the locking member are required which increases adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two independent functional systems: (1) a locking system with locking elements that engage with locking surfaces to secure the auxiliary handle, and (2) a release system with release elements that can disengage the locking elements. This segmentation allows the release operation to be performed with minimal rotation, eliminating the need for multiple revolutions required by traditional toothing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conventional toothing mechanism where teeth must be spaced by their own height, the patent inverts the approach by using a cam-like release element that acts on a curved locking surface. This inversion allows the release action to be achieved through a single quarter-turn motion rather than multiple revolutions, significantly reducing adjustment time.
2Ease of operation
If the locking device is released to pivot the gripping member, then the lag hinge can be pivoted, but the auxiliary handle may automatically pivot about the operational axis causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into independent locking elements that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This allows the gripping member to be pivoted by releasing only the lag hinge locking elements while maintaining the auxiliary handle's secure attachment to the power tool through the operational axis locking elements, preventing unintended pivoting.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements act as intermediaries between the gripping member and the auxiliary handle, and between the auxiliary handle and the power tool. By controlling which locking elements are engaged, the system can allow controlled pivoting of the gripping member while preventing unintended pivoting of the entire auxiliary handle assembly.
3Reliability
If the locking member is designed to lock the lag hinge securely, then the auxiliary handle remains fixed, but the gripping member cannot be adjusted during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic adjustable state. The locking elements can be selectively disengaged to allow pivoting of the gripping member, and then re-engaged to secure it in the new position. This dynamic capability enables secure locking during operation while maintaining adjustability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device allows change in the positional parameter of the gripping member by controlling the engagement state of the locking elements. When locking elements are disengaged, the gripping member can be pivoted to a new position; when engaged, the position is secured. This parameter control enables both security and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary handle for a hand-held power tool (7) includes an attachment section (21) for securing the auxiliary handle (11) on a section (8) of the power tool (7) a gripping member (31) for holding the auxiliary handle (11), a lag hinge (46) provided between the attachment section (21) and the gripping member (34), and including a locking member (52) pivotable about an axis (53) extending parallel to the axis (12) of the lag hinge (46) between its locking position in which it blocks the lag hinge (46), and a release position thereof in which the lag hinge (46) is released.