Foldable Handle Clamp Mechanism for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle devices for work machines, such as power generators and pumps, have complex structures with numerous components and unstable handling mechanisms, making it difficult to securely lock and unlock the handle in use positions.
Innovation Solution
A handle device with a foldable handle featuring a clamp mechanism that includes a clamp body, a spring, an actuating protuberance, and a restraining mechanism, allowing for simple and secure locking and unlocking of the handle by a single pressing action, using a helical torsion spring to maintain the clamp body in an open state until the handle is engaged, then automatically closing and locking it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism with multiple components is used to fix the handle, then the handle can be securely locked in the use position, but the structure becomes complicated and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the clamping action through its closing movement, incorporates the actuating protuberance for automatic engagement, and includes the restraining mechanism for automatic locking. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate locking components while maintaining secure handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism operates automatically through self-service principles. The actuating protuberance automatically engages with the handle engaging/disengaging part when the clamp body closes, and the restraining mechanism automatically locks the clamp body in its closed position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention beyond the initial pressing action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pin is removed to turn the handle, then the handle can be repositioned, but the handling becomes complicated and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism automatically performs the locking and unlocking actions. When the handle is pressed into the use position, the actuating protuberance automatically engages with the handle engaging/disengaging part, and the restraining mechanism automatically locks the clamp body. The user only needs to perform a single pressing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pre-loads the clamp body in the open standby state, preparing it for automatic engagement. The actuating protuberance is positioned to automatically contact the handle engaging/disengaging part when the clamp body closes, eliminating the need for manual pin removal and reinsertion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is held and supported while turning, then the handle can be repositioned, but the force and direction become unstable requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism automatically provides the stabilizing force needed for handle repositioning. The spring-loaded clamp body automatically engages with the handle through the actuating protuberance, providing controlled force and stable direction during the turning operation. This eliminates the need for manual support with both hands.
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 solution simplifies the structure and operation of fixing and releasing the handle, providing stable and secure locking in the use position with reduced complexity and weight, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring of the clamp body, for holding the clamp body in an open standby state; a actuating protuberance which, when closed against a spring force of the spring, extends from a turning member of the clamp body toward the handle engaging/disengaging part; and a restraining mechanism for automatically restraining a distal end of the clamp body by a spring force
Implementation Method 2
using a helical torsion spring to maintain the clamp body in an open state until the handle is engaged, then automatically closing and locking it
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine handle device having a foldable handle is disclosed. As the handle is to be changed from a folded-up state to a use state, the handle is turned about a frame as a turning fulcrum. An actuating protuberance provided integrally to a turning member of a clamp body is pushed by a handle engaging/disengaging part provided to a front end of the handle, and the turning member is caused to turn. The handle engaging/disengaging part is held from either side and automatically restrained by a clamp mechanism. When the handle is changed from the use state to the folded-up state, a restraining mechanism is operated to release the engagement between the restraining mechanism and a distal end of the turning member. The turning member is turned by a return force of a spring provided to the clamp body, the handle engaging/disengaging part ceases to be restrained, and the handle can be folded up.