Connectable Tool Assembly With Slidable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction workers face the challenge of carrying multiple tools and conventional pry bars are often too short to provide sufficient leverage for efficiently removing fasteners from dug-in positions.
Innovation Solution
A connectable tool assembly that includes a hammer with a slidable locking mechanism, allowing a dual-ended pry bar to be attached in multiple orientations, providing extended leverage and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional pry bars are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the length is insufficient to provide adequate leverage for removing fasteners from dug-in positions
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is divided into separate components: a hammer and a detachable pry bar. The pry bar can be connected to the hammer when needed for extended leverage, and separated when not needed, maintaining simplicity while providing length on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The pry bar is designed to nest within or attach to the hammer handle, allowing the extended length to be stored compactly when not in use. This provides the long leverage arm only when needed while maintaining a compact tool profile during transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different tools are carried to handle various tasks, then task versatility is improved, but the burden of carrying multiple tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer and pry bar are merged into a single connectable assembly, combining two previously separate tools into one unit. This reduces the number of tools to carry while maintaining the functionality of both the hammer and the pry bar when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The hammer handle is designed with a universal connection interface that can accommodate different pry bar configurations. The assembly can function as a hammer alone, a pry bar alone, or a combined tool, providing multiple functions from a single tool set.
3Force
If a pry bar is made longer to provide sufficient leverage, then the leverage capability is improved, but the tool becomes harder to maneuver and store
Solution Approach 1:
The pry bar connection to the hammer is made detachable rather than fixed, allowing the user to dynamically adjust the tool configuration based on the task. The long leverage arm is deployed only when needed for dug-in fasteners, and retracted when maneuverability is more important.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assembly including a hammer to which a secondary tool, such as a dual-ended pry bar, is connectable. The hammer and the secondary tool are connectable via a slidable locking mechanism, including a detent pin that engages with a corresponding slot on a rail disposed on the secondary tool. One embodiment of the secondary tool includes multiple rails, which allows for the secondary tool to be attached to the hammer in multiple different orientations. The different orientations in which the secondary tool can be connected to the hammer allows for the first working end of the secondary tool or the second working end of the tool to be used alternatively as needed.