Flexible Dustproof Element for Hand Tool Shank Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand tools face issues with dust ingress compromising operation precision and requiring specialized tools for maintenance, as dustproof plugs must be removed and reinstalled, which can lead to loss or damage.
Innovation Solution
A dustproof structure featuring a flexible dustproof element with bristles or plates that can be elastically deformed to allow access to internal components without removing the dustproof element, using an adjustment tool to open the through hole for lubrication or adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a dustproof plug is used to prevent dust from entering the hand tool, then dust protection is improved, but maintenance and adjustment require removal and reinstallation of the plug which complicates the operation and risks loss or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The dustproof element is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically change state between closed (dustproof) and open (access) positions. The element can be pushed inward by maintenance tools to open the passage temporarily, then automatically returns to its original closed position, eliminating the need for removal and reinstallation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dustproof element is constructed from flexible material that can deform under applied force. This flexibility allows the element to be pushed inward by maintenance tools to create access passages, while maintaining its dustproof sealing function when in the normal closed state, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dustproof plug is used to isolate the operation unit from the external environment, then operation precision is maintained, but specialized tools are required for removal and reinstallation which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible dustproof element serves multiple functions: it provides dustproof sealing during normal operation, allows temporary access when pushed by maintenance tools, and automatically returns to its sealing position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized removal and reinstallation tools, reducing device complexity while maintaining operation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The dustproof element automatically returns to its original closed sealing position after being pushed open by maintenance tools, without requiring manual reinstallation. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for specialized reinstallation tools and reduces the risk of improper installation, thereby maintaining operation precision while simplifying the maintenance process.
3Ease of repair
If the dustproof plug is removed for maintenance work, then access to internal components is enabled, but the risk of loss or damage to the plug increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dustproof element transitions from a static removed state to a dynamic temporary displacement state. It can be pushed inward by maintenance tools to enable access, then automatically returns to its original position, ensuring continuous dustproof protection and eliminating the risk of loss or damage associated with complete removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible dustproof element automatically returns to its original closed sealing position after being displaced during maintenance operations. This self-returning mechanism ensures that dustproof protection is continuously maintained and eliminates the risk of the element being lost or damaged, while still providing necessary access during maintenance.
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
Prevents dust entry during normal operation while enabling direct access for maintenance and adjustment without dedicated tools, simplifying operations and enhancing efficiency by maintaining protection without the need for reinstallation.
Implementation Method 1
Once subjected to the applied force, however, the dustproof element is elastically deformed and thereby renders the through hole into an open state
Data Source
AI summary
A dustproof structure of a hand tool includes a tool body and a dustproof element. The tool body has a shank. A predetermined portion of the shank is concavely provided with a through hole. The dustproof element is flexible, is provided at the through hole of the shank, and can be opened and closed. The dustproof element closes the through hole when not subjected to an applied force and is elastically deformed to render the through hole into an open state when subjected to the applied force. In normal conditions, therefore, the dustproof element can block foreign matter from entering the through hole. When it is desired to perform a lubricating or adjusting operation on a component in the through hole of the hand tool, the operation can be carried out after directly applying a force to, and thus deforming, the dustproof portion, without having the dustproof element removed.