Multipurpose Tool Carabiner Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multipurpose tools with carabiners often experience component displacement due to repeated use, leading to unreliable operation as the spring that biases the gate may shift relative to the handle, affecting the carabiner's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose tool design with a carabiner where a spring is stably positioned relative to the handle using a tab and engagement member, preventing movement and ensuring continued reliable operation by resisting spring displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a carabiner with spring-loaded gate is used to clip the multipurpose tool, then the tool can be securely engaged and disengaged, but repeated use causes component displacement and unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the spring between the gate and handle in a controlled manner during assembly. The spring is initially compressed and held in place by a retention feature (such as a pin or interference fit) before final assembly, ensuring it starts in the correct position and remains stable during repeated use. This preliminary positioning prevents the spring from shifting during operation, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation.
2Strength
If the carabiner components are made more rugged to withstand repeated forces, then durability improves, but the spring may still displace relative to the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary retention feature (such as a pin, ridge, or interference-fit structure) that mediates between the spring and handle. This intermediary element physically prevents the spring from displacing relative to the handle while allowing the carabiner components to remain rugged and strong. The retention feature acts as a mediator that maintains the spring's position stability without compromising the overall strength and durability of the carabiner assembly.
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 stable positioning of the spring within the carabiner enhances the tool's ruggedness and reliability, maintaining consistent functionality even with repeated use and forces applied during engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connected to the first handle proximate the carabiner and a gate urged by the spring to extend at least partially across the opening defined by the carabiner
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool, such as a multipurpose tool (10), is provided that includes a carabiner (24) having a spring (18) that is configured to be sufficiently rugged to withstand the anticipated utilization of the carabiner. The tool may include at least a first handle (12), including a carabiner defining an opening (32) thereto, and at least one tool (20,22) carried by the first handle. The tool may also include a spring (18) connected to the first handle proximate the carabiner and a gate (36) urged by the spring to extend at least partially across the opening (32) defined by the carabiner. The first handle may also include a tab (40a), and the spring (18) may include a corresponding engagement member configured to engage the tab such that the tab resists movement of the spring relative to the first handle. A corresponding handle assembly may also be provided.