Flexible Utility Handle with Cable Tension Bolt

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing utility handles are limited by their inability to bend to accommodate user needs and return to a rigid configuration when more force is applied, requiring multiple handles for different tasks.

Innovation Solution

A flexible utility handle comprising an upper and lower tubular section connected by a coiled spring and tension cable, allowing the handle to bend at a 90-degree angle and adjust between flexible and rigid configurations through a cable tension bolt mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a utility handle is designed to be rigid for exerting force, then it can provide structural strength, but it cannot bend to accommodate user needs for angling the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle flexibilityVSAvoidhandle rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The handle incorporates a coiled spring mechanism that allows the handle to dynamically transition between rigid and flexible states. The spring enables bending motion when flexibility is needed, while maintaining structural integrity when force is applied, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle's physical state is changed by adjusting cable tension through a cable tension bolt. By modifying the tension parameter of the cable, the handle can shift between flexible and rigid configurations, allowing the user to adapt the handle's mechanical properties to different task requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a utility handle is designed as a single-purpose device, then it can be simple in structure, but the consumer needs numerous handles for different maintenance duties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidhandle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a universal attachment mechanism featuring a male threaded second end that can detachably attach various cleaning devices with female threaded attaching means. This allows a single handle to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached device, eliminating the need for multiple single-purpose handles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is divided into modular sections (upper tubular section, lower tubular section) with standardized threading interfaces. This segmentation allows different cleaning devices to be attached and detached, creating a universal system where one handle can serve multiple purposes through component interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the handle to adapt to various cleaning tasks by providing flexibility when needed and rigidity with increased force, reducing the need for multiple handles.

Implementation Method 1

The coiled spring flexibly connects the upper tubular section and the lower tubular section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the tension cable, having a first end and a second end, operationally connects the handle of the present invention to its lower tubular section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS9073198B1Flexible utility handle
Publication Date: 2015.07.07 MENIUS MARVIN L
  • US9073198B1 patent drawing
  • US9073198B1 patent drawing
  • US9073198B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible utility handle comprising a handle, an upper tubular section having a female threaded first end and a recessed second end, a lower tubular section having a recessed first end and a male threaded second end, a coiled spring flexibly connecting the upper tubular section and the lower tubular section, and a tension cable operationally connecting the handle and the lower tubular section. The handle includes a cable tension bolt which is operationally designed to engage the female threaded first end of the upper tubular section. Rotating the handle to increase the overall length of the invention decreases its flexibility at the coiled spring. Rotating the handle to decrease the overall length of the invention increases its flexibility at the coiled spring.