Folding Apparatus Traction Cable Mechanism for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding work apparatuses for manually moving earth or other materials often suffer from accidental closures due to joint failure, leading to safety risks and complexity in operation, and they are not compact enough for easy carrying, especially in backpacks.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional folding apparatus with a traction cable and tensioning mechanism that allows controlled folding and positioning of the gripping means, eliminating the need for articulating pins and ensuring safety and compactness, featuring a bidimensional traction element and elastic means to absorb strains and maintain engagement between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If articulating pins are used to connect joints for folding the apparatus, then the apparatus can be folded compactly, but the joints are prone to failure and accidental closure under strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the articulating pins from the system entirely. Instead of using pins to connect the gripping means to the connecting member, the invention employs a cable-elastic means mechanism that allows folding without mechanical pin joints, thereby eliminating the failure point while maintaining compact foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin-and-hole articulation system with a cable-elastic means system. The gripping means is connected via a cable that runs through guides and is tensioned by elastic means, substituting rigid mechanical joints with a flexible, strain-absorbing mechanism that prevents accidental closure.
2Reliability
If a sliding sleeve is added to protect and reinforce the second joint, then joint reliability improves, but the operations of opening and folding become complicated and time-wasting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for protective sleeves by removing the articulating pins that would require such protection. The cable-elastic means system inherently protects the connection points without adding sliding sleeves, maintaining simple and quick folding operations.
3Volume of moving object
If traditional folding mechanisms with multiple joints are used, then compactness is achieved, but the apparatus lacks freedom in positioning the gripping means for different body positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements (cable and elastic means) that allow the gripping means to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations while folded. The elastic means provides tension control that accommodates various positioning requirements, and the cable-guide system allows flexible angular adjustment without compromising compact storage.
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 apparatus is sturdy, safe, and easily foldable, allowing for compact storage and quick deployment, with the traction cable and elastic means preventing accidental closures and maintaining stability under use, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means to absorb strains and maintain engagement between components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) comprising a tool (4), a gripping means (3) and a hollow connecting member (2) extending along a first axis (X-X), said gripping means (3) being associable to a first end portion (2A) of said connecting member (2), said tool (4) being associated to a second end portion (2B) of said connecting element. Said apparatus (1) can be in a non-operating configuration, in which at least said gripping means (3) is folded against said connecting member (2), and in at least one operating configuration, in which said gripping means (3) extends from said first end portion (2A) of said connecting member (2). In particular, said gripping means (3) is removably connected to said connecting member (2) through a traction element (10) that extends internally in said connecting member (2) and is connected with a first end (10A) to tensioning means (7) arranged on said gripping means (3), and with a second end (10B) associated to said second end portion (2B), said tensioning means (7) having a first position, in which the traction element (10) is tensioned in such a way as to maintain said at least one operating configuration of said apparatus (1), and a second position, in which the tension on said traction element (10) is released to allow said apparatus (1) to pass between said at least one operating configuration and said non-operating configuration.