Extension Shaft With Ball Joint Pivot For Confined Space Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld instruments with multiple tool capabilities face challenges in spatially confined or difficult-to-reach locations due to limited angular movement and tool positioning, making it difficult to effectively use powered instruments in such areas.
Innovation Solution
An extension shaft with a tool holder featuring a pivot assembly, including a ball joint or perpendicular pins, allows for increased angular movement of tools relative to the handheld instrument, enabling the tool to be rotated and positioned at various angles for improved accessibility in confined spaces, and optionally includes a flexible design with concentric coil springs for further deflection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool is axially inserted into the chuck of the handheld instrument, then the tool is securely held and rotated, but the tool positioning limits accessibility to spatially confined or difficult-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder incorporates a swivel portion that can dynamically change its angular position relative to the extension shaft, allowing the tool to move from an axial position to various angled positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the tool to reach confined spaces while maintaining secure connection through the pivot assembly with ball joint and retaining structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds an angular dimension to the traditionally axial tool positioning. By enabling the tool holder to swivel at angles relative to the extension shaft axis, the system transitions from one-dimensional (axial) to two-dimensional (angular + axial) positioning, significantly improving accessibility to difficult-to-reach locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extension shaft allows increased angular movement of the tool, then accessibility to confined spaces is improved, but the complexity of the tool holder structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder uses a dynamic pivot assembly with a ball joint that naturally accommodates angular movement through spherical geometry. This dynamic joint provides multi-directional rotation capability while maintaining a relatively simple structure compared to rigid multi-component articulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the connection interface from fixed axial alignment to variable angular alignment. The ball joint and swivel mechanism allow the tool holder to change its orientation parameter dynamically, enabling angular movement while keeping the structural complexity manageable through standardized joint design.
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 extension shaft enhances the operational capability of handheld instruments by allowing tools to be positioned at various angles, facilitating use in hard-to-reach areas and reducing operator contact with moving parts through protective mechanisms, thereby improving task efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The swivel portion is pivotly coupled to the base portion through a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly may include a ball joint operatively connecting the swivel and base portions of the tool holder.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible extension shaft may further include a plurality of concentric coil springs in tightly wound adjacent relation extending between and secured to generally cylindrical body portions near the first and second ends of the flexible extension shaft to accommodate deflection of the flexible extension shaft relative to the axis of the chuck
Data Source
AI summary
A tool having a flexible extension shaft, a first end and, a second end and capable of being bent about its axis. The tool transfers rotary motion from a device to an implement. Both of the ends may be capable of independently being bent about the axis. The shaft may include a male member and a female member for a kit. Further, one end of the tool may include a rotatable member having a first and second implement.