Ergonomic Crochet Tool with Spring-Loaded Latch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hair crocheting tools for attaching extensions to cornrow braids are bulky and cause strain, leading to potential hair damage and injuries for both stylists and clients due to their size and manual operation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A slender crocheting tool with a handle and detachable members, including needles and shears, featuring a multi-function feature with cable sections and a motion-transformer to manipulate attachments, reducing physical strain and minimizing the risk of injury by providing extra clearance and control during the crocheting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional latch-hook tools are used for hair crocheting, then the tool can attach hair extensions to cornrow braids, but the tool becomes bulky and causes physical strain to the stylist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the functional components (latch mechanism, hook, shaft) from the bulky conventional tool body and reconfigures them into a slender, ergonomic handle design. The latch mechanism is miniaturized and integrated into the handle, allowing the tool to maintain its crocheting function while dramatically reducing overall size and weight, thereby eliminating physical strain on the stylist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring-loaded latch mechanism that dynamically opens and closes during operation. The spring provides automatic resetting action, allowing the stylist to simply push the latch closed without manual manipulation. This dynamic feature reduces operational complexity and physical effort while maintaining secure attachment of the hair extension.
2Ease of operation
If conventional latch-hook tools are used, then hair extensions can be attached, but the tool requires manual opening and closing of the latch which can cause injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism is designed to automatically reset after being opened. When the stylist releases the latch, the spring automatically returns it to the closed position, eliminating the need for manual manipulation that could cause injury. The tool essentially services itself by automatically returning to its operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary between the latch mechanism and the stylist's hand. Instead of the stylist directly manipulating the latch back and forth, the spring mediates the motion, absorbing the mechanical stress and providing smooth, controlled movement that prevents fingernail injuries and latch sticking.
3Productivity
If conventional tools are used to insert under cornrow braids, then hair extensions can be attached, but considerable force is required which can damage or pull out the hair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the tool, specifically creating a slender shaft with a sharply pointed tip instead of the bulky design of conventional tools. This parameter change allows the tip to more easily penetrate and slide under the tightly braided cornrow hair without requiring excessive force, thereby preventing hair damage while maintaining attachment efficiency.
4Productivity
If repetitive crocheting operations are performed hundreds of times a day, then productivity is maintained, but calluses and muscle injuries occur in the stylist's hands, arms, or spine
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism provides dynamic, automatic resetting that eliminates repetitive manual manipulation. This reduces the cumulative physical strain on the stylist's fingers, hands, and arms that would otherwise occur from performing hundreds of manual latch operations throughout the day, while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ergonomic handle design with optimized weight distribution and grip geometry changes the mechanical parameters of tool handling. This reduces the physical effort required for each stroke and minimizes strain on the stylist's muscles, allowing sustained high-volume work without calluses or muscle injuries.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for crocheting hair that can be used to efficiently and safely crochet hair extensions into cornrow braids. The apparatus can include a handle comprising a first end, a second end, and a connection receptacle located proximate to an attachment receptacle. The handle can further comprise the attachment receptacle located at the first end of the handle and configured to receive an attachment feature of the detachable member, as well as a cavity located within the handle comprising an opening located at the second end of the handle. The attachment feature located at the first end of the detachable member.