Foldable Drain Cleaner With Cable Locking for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drain cleaning tools are bulky, difficult to maneuver, and can cause damage to fixtures due to their rigid structures, and lack effective cable locking mechanisms, leading to accidental release during use.
Innovation Solution
The drain cleaning tool features a compact design with a folding mechanism, a flexible tip to prevent damage, an ergonomic handle positioning, and a cable locking assembly positioned between the drum and tip to prevent accidental cable release, along with a spinning handle for easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional drain cleaning tools use rigid structures, then they provide structural strength, but they become bulky and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the handle folding mechanism movable between extended and collapsed positions. The handle can be folded against the body of the tool, transforming it from a rigid, space-consuming structure to a compact, maneuverable form that can easily navigate tight spaces while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the handle into multiple segments connected by joints, allowing independent movement of each segment. This segmented structure enables the handle to fold and collapse into a compact configuration for maneuverability while maintaining the necessary strength through proper joint design and material selection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional drain cleaning tools use fixed cable mechanisms, then they provide structural stability, but they lack effective cable locking, leading to accidental release during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-loaded cable locking mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on cable tension. When the cable is pulled, the spring automatically locks it in place; when tension is released, the spring automatically releases the cable. This self-actuating system eliminates the need for manual locking operations while maintaining both stability during use and reliability in preventing accidental release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback through the spring mechanism that responds to cable tension changes. The spring continuously monitors the state of the cable and automatically adjusts the locking mechanism accordingly, providing real-time feedback control that ensures the cable remains secured during operation and can be easily released when needed.
3Force
If conventional drain cleaning tools have extended handles, then they provide operational leverage, but they increase strain on the user's wrist and reduce ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the handle length adjustable through folding mechanisms. The user can extend the handle to full length when maximum leverage is needed for difficult clogs, then collapse it to a shorter, more ergonomic position during normal operation or storage. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide both high leverage when required and reduced wrist strain during routine use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the effective handle length parameter based on operational needs. The folding mechanism allows the handle length parameter to be changed from a long configuration for maximum leverage to a short configuration for ergonomics and storage, enabling the tool to adapt to different operational requirements and user comfort levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for opening or removing a blockage from a drain is shown. In one embodiment, the drain cleaning tool includes a drum, a spinning handle, a support handle, a cable, and a cable lock assembly. The spinning handle is coupled to the drum and rotatable to coil the cable after use of the drain cleaning tool. The support handle is positioned between the drum and a tip of the drain cleaning tool. In another embodiment, the drain cleaning tool includes a tip portion, a body, a handle, and a cable. The drain cleaning tool further includes a flexible portion of the cable and retention mechanism such that the drain cleaning tool can be folded.