Dual Axis Hook Assembly for Power Tool Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tool suspension accessories, such as hooks, often protrude outward and can interfere with the tool's operation, as they must extend to be functional, leading to potential contact with other objects.
Innovation Solution
A dual axis hook assembly is integrated into the power tool housing, allowing the hook to be positioned close to the tool body and oriented in multiple directions for suspension while minimizing interference, featuring a hook and support structure with rotational axes and detent mechanisms for flexible positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hook extends outwardly from the power tool to enable suspension, then the tool can be conveniently stowed on walls, benches, or belts, but the hook can inadvertently contact other objects and interfere with tool use
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is designed with dual rotational axes allowing it to dynamically change position between an extended configuration for stowing and a retracted configuration for tool operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of stowing and interference prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly utilizes two rotational axes (first axis for extending/retracting, second axis for orienting) to provide multi-dimensional positioning capability, enabling the hook to be moved out of the operational path while maintaining stowing functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the hook assembly is positioned close to the tool body to minimize interference, then tool operation is improved, but the hook must still extend outwardly to be functional for suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly dynamically extends from a retracted position close to the tool body to an extended suspension position, allowing it to maintain proximity to the tool body during operation while still providing outward extension when needed for hanging
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly is segmented into multiple rotatable components that can be independently positioned, allowing the hook portion to extend outward for suspension while the base remains close to the tool body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A power tool includes a housing and a hook assembly. The hook assembly includes a hook support and a hook member. The hook support is rotatably attached to the housing for rotation about a first axis. The hook member has a shank portion and a hook portion. The shank portion defines a second axis that is transverse to the first axis and is configured to rotate with respect to the hook support about the second axis. The hook portion extends in a radial direction from the shank portion. The rotation of the hook support about the first axis alters an orientation of the shank portion of the hook member with respect to the housing, and the rotation of the shank portion with respect hook support alters the radial direction of the hook portion.