Fan Rake Swivel Joint for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan brooms with two compartments lack efficient handling and storage solutions, particularly in terms of compactness and ease of use when transitioning between working and storage positions.
Innovation Solution
A fan broom design featuring two sub-compartments connected via a swivel joint, allowing for a significant reduction in width in the storage position, with a pivoting range greater than 150° and a manually releasable locking mechanism to prevent accidental detachment, and an elastically deformable holding element for secure separation, enabling the sub-compartments to be used as separate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fan broom is designed with two separate compartments that can be detached, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to frequent assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fan broom employs a dynamic connection system where the two compartments can pivot relative to each other around a central axis, transitioning between a working position (fully connected) and a storage position (partially detached). This dynamic mechanism allows the broom to adapt between being a complete tool and separable components without requiring full disassembly, thus improving versatility while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the fan broom compartments are made detachable for separate handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental detachment during use
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates a locking mechanism that automatically engages when the compartments are in the working position, preventing accidental detachment before it can occur. The locking action is prepared in advance through the mechanical arrangement of the compartments and connecting elements, ensuring secure connection during operation while still allowing intentional separation when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the fan broom is designed with a fixed wide structure for optimal working position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the volume increases making storage and transport less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fan broom utilizes a pivoting mechanism that allows the two compartments to rotate relative to each other, transforming the broom from a wide working configuration to a compact storage configuration. In the working position, the compartments are fully extended for optimal sweeping performance; in the storage position, they pivot to reduce the overall width by more than 50%, significantly decreasing the volume occupied during storage and transport.
4Volume of moving object
If the pivotability between working and storage positions is increased, then the volume in storage position is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional constraints on detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between compartments is designed with asymmetric detachment characteristics: the compartments can be easily separated in the storage position where the connecting elements are naturally disengaged, but require intentional manual action to detach in the working position where locking mechanisms engage. This asymmetric design allows high pivotability for volume reduction while controlling device complexity through context-dependent connection strength.
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 achieves a more compact storage and transport form, reducing storage space requirements and enhancing handling convenience by maintaining connection between sub-compartments throughout the pivoting range, while allowing for intentional separation and use as individual tools.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable holding element can be provided, which can preferably also form part of the joint arrangement. In particular, such a holding element can be formed by a clamp on one of the two partial bodies, which grips around a pivot axis by more than 180° and is open transversely to the pivot axis and can be pulled off from it with elastic widening transversely to the pivot axis.
Data Source
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AI summary
For a divisible fan brush, a pivotable connection of the two parts (T1, T2) around a tube (RO) as the pivot axis is described, wherein the two parts (T1, T2) with the attached sub-fans (F1, F2) can be pivoted from a working position to a storage position without detaching from the tube (RO). Additionally, in an intermediate position of the pivoting movement, one of the parts can be removed from the tube (RO), which forms the pivot axis and is permanently attached to the other part, in order to handle the parts (T1, T2) with their respective sub-fans (F1, F2) as separate tools. In the storage position, the tines (Z1, Z2) of the sub-fans (F1, F2) can advantageously interlock with each other, with gaps between them.