Multi-Layer Elastomeric Hammer Handle Vibration Dampening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hammers do not effectively dampen vibrations transmitted to the user's hand during impact, leading to discomfort and fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A hammer design featuring a handle with a core member, a rigid material layer, and multiple elastomeric layers, along with an epoxy resin material, where the elastomeric layers are strategically positioned to reduce vibration transmission through the use of injection molding and chemical/mechanical bonding, creating a compliant interface between the handle and head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional hammers are used with simple handle construction, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but vibration transmission to the user's hand is excessive causing discomfort and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidhandle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is constructed as a composite structure with a core member (fiberglass or metal) providing structural strength, surrounded by a rigid material layer (polypropylene or nylon) for durability, and covered with multiple elastomeric material layers (soft and hard rubber) for vibration dampening. This multi-material composite approach effectively reduces vibration transmission while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the handle are assigned different material properties: the core member provides structural strength throughout, the rigid material layer provides durability and shape retention, the soft elastomeric layer provides vibration dampening, and the hard elastomeric layer provides wear resistance and grip. Each material is strategically placed where its specific properties are most needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple elastomeric layers are added to the handle, then vibration dampening is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration dampening effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The core member, rigid material layer, and multiple elastomeric layers are combined into a single integrated handle structure through overmolding processes. The elastomeric layers are molded directly onto the rigid material layer, which is itself molded onto the core member, creating a unified component that reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity despite the multi-layer construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle structure follows a nested configuration where the rigid material layer is molded onto the core member, and the elastomeric layers are sequentially molded onto the rigid material layer. This nested doll approach allows multiple functional layers to be integrated in a compact, space-efficient manner while streamlining the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the handle and head are separately formed structures, then assembly flexibility and vibration isolation are improved, but connection reliability and structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration isolationVSAvoidhandle-to-head connection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric layers serve as intermediary elements between the handle core and the metal head. These elastomeric materials provide a compliant interface that isolates vibration while the epoxy resin material provides a strong bonding agent that ensures reliable mechanical connection. This intermediary approach allows the separate formed structures to work together effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric layers are positioned between the handle and head to provide beforehand cushioning against vibration and impact forces. This pre-positioned cushioning protects the user's hand from vibration while the epoxy resin provides beforehand bonding strength to ensure the connection can withstand operational forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Significantly reduces vibration transmission to the user's hand, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue during use by effectively isolating the core member from the head with a compliant interface.

Implementation Method 1

the elastomeric portion is constructed and arranged to reduce the amount of vibration transmitted from the head to the handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The elastomeric portion is at least partially disposed between the handle and the head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The epoxy resin material is positioned within the eye portion and is at least partially disposed between the handle and the head to secure the handle to the head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

epoxy resin material... to secure the handle to the head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 5

the first elastomeric material layer is constructed and arranged to reduce the vibration transmitted through the hammer head, into the handle and into a user's hand during an impact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Implementation Method 6

a first elastomeric material layer molded on the rigid material layer and a second elastomeric material molded on the first elastomeric material layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2743037B1Vibration dampened hammer
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 STANLEY BLACK & DECKER INC
  • EP2743037B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2743037B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2743037B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A hammer that includes a handle and a head is provided. The head disposed on an upper end of the handle. The handle includes a core member; a rigid material layer molded on the core member; and a grip member molded on at least a portion of the rigid material layer. The grip member includes a first elastomeric material layer molded on the rigid material layer and a second elastomeric material molded on the first elastomeric material layer. The head has an eye portion extending through the head. The handle has at least a portion of its upper end extending into the eye portion. An epoxy resin material is positioned within the eye portion and is at least partially disposed between the handle and the head to secure the handle to the head. An elastomeric portion is at least partially disposed between the handle and the head.