Eccentric Mechanism Tilt-Avoidance Lever Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Eccentric mechanisms used in cleaning devices, such as broom handles, often tilt sideways when switching between open and closed positions, causing damage and instability in the coupling action.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a tilt-avoiding mechanism with protrusions and slits in the lever and tool head, along with an adjusting mechanism like a screw, to prevent sideways movement and ensure stable coupling between the tool handle and head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional eccentric mechanism is used to couple the tool handle with the tool head, then the coupling action is achieved, but the lever tilts sideways during operation causing instability and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of coupling actionVSAvoidlever stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stabilizing member as an intermediary element between the lever and the tool head. This stabilizing member includes a stabilizing surface that contacts the tool head and works in conjunction with the arcuate pressing surface to prevent sideways tilting of the lever. The stabilizing member acts as a mediator that transfers and distributes forces to maintain lever stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the lever is designed to rotate between open and closed positions, then the coupling mechanism functions, but sideways movement occurs during position switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever rotation between positionsVSAvoidsideways tilting motion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating specific contact surfaces with particular geometries at critical locations. The arcuate pressing surface on the lever and the corresponding stabilizing surface on the stabilizing member are locally engineered to provide directional guidance. These localized features ensure that the lever moves only in the desired rotational arc without allowing sideways deviations during position switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If the lever presses against the tool head to provide coupling force, then the coupling strength is achieved, but the lever may tilt due to uneven force distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing force between handle and headVSAvoidcoupling action consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses force distribution by introducing a dimensional aspect through the arcuate geometry of the pressing surface. Instead of a simple point or linear contact, the arcuate surface distributes the pressing force along a curved path. This dimensional change in the contact interface ensures more uniform force distribution and prevents tilting caused by uneven loading during the coupling action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3600785B1Eccentric mechanism
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP3600785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3600785B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3600785B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An eccentric mechanism (106) for coupling a tool handle (104) with a tool head (102) is provided. The eccentric mechanism (106) includes a first pin member (200) which extends through an opening in the tool handle (104). The eccentric mechanism (106) includes a second pin member (202) coupled to the first pin member (200). The second pin member (202) is oriented at an angle to the first pin member (200). The eccentric mechanism (106) further includes a lever (204) rotatably coupled to the second pin member (202). The lever (204) is adapted to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The lever (204) includes at least one arcuate portion (206) which presses against the tool head (102) in the closed position. The eccentric mechanism (106) is characterized in that the eccentric mechanism (106) further includes a tilt-avoiding mechanism (208) associated with the lever (204).