Combination Spreading Tool with Angularly Displaceable Blade Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for spreading and smoothing pasty materials in construction and manufacturing lack versatility and convenience, as they require multiple separate spatulas of varying sizes and configurations, which are often cumbersome and prone to loss when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A combination tool apparatus with a housing that securely stores and easily deploys a set of angularly displaceable spatula-like blade members, allowing for selection of different configurations to suit various applications, featuring a coupling mechanism for stable deployment and adjustable locking for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate spatulas of varying sizes and configurations are procured for different applications, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to carrying and managing multiple loose tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate spatula implements into a single integrated combination tool apparatus. The housing contains multiple blade members of different sizes and configurations that are angularly displaceable between stowed and deployed positions, allowing the user to carry one tool instead of multiple separate tools while maintaining versatility for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination tool apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions by providing a set of blade members with different configurations (different sizes, shapes, and orientations) within a single tool. This allows the same housing and coupling mechanism to support various blade types for different spreading and smoothing applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate spatulas are carried loosely or on a keyring, then versatility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of losing individual implements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate spatula implements into a single integrated combination tool apparatus. The housing contains multiple blade members of different sizes and configurations that are angularly displaceable between stowed and deployed positions, allowing the user to carry one tool instead of multiple separate tools while maintaining versatility for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing contains multiple blade members nested within its interior space. The blade members are stored in an organized manner within the housing, with each blade having a specific stowed position. This nesting arrangement ensures that all blade members remain securely contained within the single tool housing, preventing loss while maintaining access to multiple configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a full set of spreading devices is clustered together on a keyring, then versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the cluster being clunky and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate spatula implements into a single integrated combination tool apparatus. The housing contains multiple blade members of different sizes and configurations that are angularly displaceable between stowed and deployed positions, allowing the user to carry one tool instead of multiple separate tools while maintaining versatility for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade members are designed to be angularly displaceable between stowed and deployed positions relative to the housing. This dynamic capability allows the tool to transition from a compact carried state to an operational deployed state, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
4Ease of operation
If individual blade members are made angularly displaceable for deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to coupling mechanism requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The blade members are designed to be angularly displaceable between stowed and deployed positions relative to the housing. This dynamic capability allows the tool to transition from a compact carried state to an operational deployed state, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination tool apparatus is segmented into a housing and multiple independently deployable blade members. Each blade member can be individually angularly displaced from the housing, allowing selective deployment of only the needed blade while keeping others stowed, thus managing complexity through modular independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination tool apparatus selectively stows and deploys a plurality of variously configured implements for spreading materials. A housing defines a coupling end portion and includes first and second plate members extending longitudinally from the coupling end portion to define a stowage compartment therebetween. A blade set includes a plurality of blade members respectively defining spreading portions of various configuration. Each of the blade members is angularly displaceable between stowed and deployed positions with respect to the housing. When stowed, each blade member is disposed substantially within the stowage compartment of the housing. When deployed, each blade member has at least a portion extending outward from the stowage compartment. A coupling member disposed at the coupling end portion of the housing is pivotally coupled to the blade members for angular displacement thereabout between the stowed and deployed positions. The blade members are biased to remain in the stowed position.