Ergonomic Grip Attachment for Weed Trimmer Posture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grass trimmer and edger grips force users to bend at the waist, leading to back strain and fatigue, and often require coordination of both hands, which can result in forearm strain and reduced control over the tool.

Innovation Solution

A handle attachment with an ergonomic grip that clamps onto the main shaft closer to the trimmer head, positioning the grip above the standard grip to reduce back strain and improve control, allowing users to maintain an upright posture and operate the tool with less fatigue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standard grip is used on the weed trimmer, then the tool can be operated, but the user must bend at the waist causing back strain and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser postureVSAvoidback strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical offset dimension by positioning the ergonomic grip above the standard grip location on the main shaft. This dimensional change allows the user to maintain an upright posture while operating the trimmer, eliminating the need to bend at the waist and thereby reducing back strain and fatigue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the grip is positioned higher on the main shaft, then back strain is reduced, but control over the trimmer head may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser postureVSAvoidcontrol over trimmer head

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the grip function into two distinct grips: a standard grip positioned lower on the main shaft for control, and an ergonomic grip positioned higher for reduced back strain. This segmentation allows each grip to serve its specific function optimally, maintaining control while improving user posture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a lateral bar extension is added to create a fulcrum point, then ergonomic grip is improved, but the device complexity increases and requires two hands to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic gripVSAvoidhandle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ergonomic improvement function from a complex lateral bar extension mechanism and implements it through a simpler vertical offset grip position on the main shaft. This extraction eliminates the need for additional structural components while maintaining the ergonomic benefit of reduced back strain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11730081B1Ergonomic grip for weed trimmer

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 HAMILTON ROBBIE

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a handle attachment for attaching to a main shaft of a weed trimmer. The handle attachment comprises a clamping mechanism, a shaft coupled to the clamping mechanism, and a grip coupled to the shaft. The clamping mechanism is configured to be coupled to the main shaft of the weed trimmer closer to a distal end of the main shaft than to the proximal end of the main shaft. The shaft is configured to extend towards the proximal end of the main shaft and at least partially above the main shaft. The grip is configured to be positioned closer to the proximal end of the main shaft than to the distal end of the main shaft. The grip is further positioned above a standard weed trimmer and perpendicular the main shaft. Positioning the grip above the standard grip reduces back and hip strain on the user.