Fluid Flow Actuated Tool Using Water Wheel for Reduced User Effort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools, such as brushes, are difficult for individuals with arthritis or the elderly to grasp and operate due to their manual operation requirements, which can lead to inefficient use and increased user effort.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow actuated tool that utilizes a water wheel structure activated by a flow of fluid, allowing for easy grasping and operation with minimal user effort, featuring a housing with a fluid guide member to convey fluid to the water wheel, which rotates a gear and connected tool, enabling efficient tool operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual tools are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited hand strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using fluid flow to rotate a water wheel structure, which drives the tool through gear mechanisms. The housing receives fluid flow that rotates the water wheel, converting fluid energy to mechanical rotation, thereby eliminating the need for manual gripping and operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Power
If manual operation is required, then the device structure remains simple, but the user effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic power by channeling fluid flow through the water wheel structure to generate rotational motion. This converts fluid energy into mechanical work, significantly reducing the power input required from the user while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure with basic mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design allows the fluid flow itself to provide the actuating power, making the system self-sufficient for the primary work requirement. The user only needs to position and aim the tool, while the fluid-powered mechanism automatically performs the rotational actuation and tool operation.
3Ease of operation
If the tool requires two hands for operation, then the control precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluid-powered actuation where the water wheel converts fluid flow into rotational motion that drives the tool. This mechanical automation provides stable and precise control of the tool's operation, eliminating the need for two-handed manual manipulation while maintaining adequate control precision through the inherent mechanical stability of the gear-driven system.
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 fluid flow actuated tool allows for efficient operation with reduced user effort, making it easier for individuals with limited hand strength to use, as the tool can be held with one hand and maneuvered effectively, enhancing usability for tasks like cleaning tire rims or washing dishes.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating mechanism includes a fluid (water) wheel structure. At least a portion of the water wheel structure is arranged in the flow of fluid for rotating the water wheel structure
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow actuated tool including a housing, a tool and an actuating mechanism. The housing includes a housing interior. The housing interior receives a flow of fluid. The actuating mechanism includes a fluid wheel structure. The fluid wheel structure is connected to the tool. At least a portion of the fluid wheel structure is arranged in the flow of fluid for rotating the fluid wheel structure. The tool is actuated based on rotation of the fluid wheel structure.