Ergonomic Dent Removal Tool Handle with Flared Collar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paintless dent removal tools require a long learning curve and lack precise control for flattening large bumps and small, precise movements, making it difficult for users to maintain control during the dent removal process.

Innovation Solution

A dent removal tool with a handle that includes a curved body and a flared collar, allowing for various grips and direct force application without leverage, enabling precise control and efficient removal of dents with one hand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional dent removal tool with a simple handle is used, then the tool structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user cannot maintain full control during dent removal operations requiring both large bumps straightening and precise flattening movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidhandle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle incorporates a flared collar with asymmetric geometry where different regions serve different functions: the flared portion provides lateral support for the thumb, the dimmed portion allows passage of the thumb, and the collar region provides axial support. This local differentiation of structural properties enables precise control without requiring complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The handle features a curved body elongated along an axis parallel to the rod, with a flared collar that creates ergonomic contours. The curved geometry naturally guides hand placement and thumb positioning, providing intuitive control for both large bumps straightening and precise flattening movements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Measurement precision

If the handle is designed with a flared collar for precise control, then the control precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidhandle manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flared collar is designed with specific local geometric features (flared portion, dimmed portion, collar region) that can be manufactured using standard machining or molding processes. Each region's geometry is optimized for its specific function while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing methods, avoiding the need for complex multi-step fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the tool requires two hands for operation, then the control and stability are improved, but the ease of operation is reduced as the user cannot efficiently perform dent removal operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveone-handed operationVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is segmented into distinct functional regions: the curved body for palm placement, the flared collar for thumb support, and the rod section for force transmission. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific role in one-handed operation, with the flared collar's asymmetric geometry providing natural guidance for thumb positioning to ensure control stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flared collar's geometry automatically guides the user's thumb into the correct position for optimal control. The dimmed portion allows passage of the thumb while the flared and collar regions provide natural lateral and axial support, creating a self-adjusting interface that maintains control stability without requiring two hands or complex mechanical assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2383052B1Dent-removal tool
Publication Date: 2012.05.09 BRUNIE JEAN JACQUES
  • EP2383052B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2383052B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The tool has a shank (2) comprising an end equipped with a handle (3) to seize and control the tool with a hand and another end equipped with a dent removal end fitting. The handle comprises a flange ring (6) forming a body side axial stop for thumb in support from a flared side (7). The flange ring forms a shank side axial support for the thumb from a blurred side (8) opposite to the flared side with respect to a longitudinal axis. The blurred side allows passage of the thumb in support on the shank.