Elastic Retaining Element for Ergonomic Electric Pruner Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged use of electric pruning shears leads to significant fatigue, risk of accidents, pain, and musculoskeletal disorders due to their weight and ergonomic challenges, affecting both electric and manual pruners.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic electric pruner design featuring an elastic retaining element that applies a clamping force to the back of the hand, reducing the user's need to apply manual force and distributing the weight more comfortably, with adjustable tension and attachment options for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an electric motor and battery are integrated into the pruner, then the cutting function is improved, but the weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining element acts as an intermediary between the pruner body and the user's hand, transferring and distributing the weight burden. The retaining element receives the pruner weight and distributes it across multiple contact points on the hand (palm, fingers, back of hand), mediating the interaction between the heavy tool and the user's body.
2Ease of operation
If the pruner weight is reduced, then ease of holding is improved, but cutting power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is divided into multiple segments or contact zones that interact with different parts of the hand (palm contact area, finger contact areas, back of hand contact area). This segmentation allows the weight to be distributed across multiple independent contact points, improving ease of holding without affecting the integrated motor's cutting power.
3Productivity
If prolonged use is required, then productivity is improved, but fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element creates a counterbalancing force distribution system that opposes the downward pull of gravity on the pruner. By distributing the weight across multiple hand contact points and utilizing the structural geometry of the retaining element, the system creates counteracting force vectors that reduce the net harmful effect of weight during prolonged use.
4Reliability
If the retaining element applies strong clamping force, then secure holding is improved, but comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the retaining element have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The contact surfaces are designed with specific geometries and material characteristics to provide secure holding in critical areas while maintaining comfort in other areas. The retaining element's structure provides strong clamping force where needed while distributing pressure to minimize discomfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design reduces fatigue, pain, and musculoskeletal disorders by providing a more comfortable grip and secure hold, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue-induced accidents, and is adaptable for both right- and left-handed users.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic retaining element which applies a force to hold the hand of the user holding the pruner against the body of the pruner
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric pruner (200), comprising: - a longitudinal body (102), and - a cutting tool (104) at one end (106), called distal, of said body (102); and at least one elastic retaining element (202) for a hand (114) of a user holding the pruner (200), to squeeze said hand against said body and hold it against said body (102).