Extendable Handle for Garden Tool Work Head Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting devices for gardening and land maintenance, such as brush cutters and hedge trimmers, require frequent orientation changes of the work head, leading to increased time, effort, and reduced efficiency due to the need for operators to suspend work, switch off the device, and adjust the head, resulting in uneven cutting and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A cutting device with a handle that is operatively connected to the work head, allowing simultaneous switching between orientations through continuous or discrete movements, enabling the operator to maintain a comfortable position and adjust the work head's orientation without detaching their hands, using a drive system that transfers handle movements to the work head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the work head orientation is made adjustable to allow pruning of side and top of hedges, then the versatility of the device is improved, but the operator must frequently suspend work and adjust the orientation, which reduces productivity and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is made dynamically adjustable in orientation relative to the stem, allowing the operator to change the work head orientation by simply rotating the handle during operation. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to suspend work for reconfiguration, as the handle can be rotated on the fly to achieve different cutting angles for side and top pruning.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it is both the gripping element for operator control and the adjustment mechanism for work head orientation. By integrating the adjustment function into the handle itself, the device achieves multi-functionality where a single component handles both operation and configuration, reducing the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and minimizing workflow interruptions.
2Device complexity
If the work head orientation is fixed to maintain simple device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator must assume uncomfortable and tiring positions to adapt to ground slope variations
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with dynamic rotational capability relative to the stem, allowing it to adapt to different ground slopes and operator positions. This dynamic feature enables the operator to maintain ergonomic grip positions while the work head orientation adjusts accordingly, eliminating the need for uncomfortable gripping postures without adding complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added to change work head inclination, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to uncomfortable adjustment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is merged with the handle operation. The handle itself becomes the adjustment mechanism through its rotational capability, combining the gripping function and orientation adjustment function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate adjustment levers or selectors that would require uncomfortable hand positions, as the handle rotation is a natural and comfortable operator action.
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 solution reduces operator fatigue, improves cutting efficiency, and ensures more uniform maintenance operations by allowing seamless adjustments in the work head's orientation, enhancing ergonomic comfort and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a drive system that transfers handle movements to the work head
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a handle (20) for a device (1) adapted to execute maintenance operations in a land or garden. The handle (20) comprises a gripping portion (21), configured to allow an operator to grasp said device (1) by gripping said gripping portion (21), and a constraining portion (22), configured to establish a constraint between the gripping portion (21) and a structural component of the device (1). The handle (20) is of an extendable type and the gripping portion (21) comprises at least one base portion (23) and at least one adjustment portion (24), the base portion (23) being interposed between the adjustment portion (24) and the constraining portion (22), the adjustment portion (24) being movable towards and away from the base portion (23). The present invention further relates to a device (1) for executing maintenance operations in a land or garden, comprising a stem (2), a work head (10) and a handle (20), the handle (20) comprising a gripping portion (21) and a constraining portion (22).