Folding Tool Set With Polygonal Shaft And Elastic Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding tool sets face issues where tools are inconvenient to use due to unwanted rotation of fixing shafts and spacers when one tool is pulled, leading to linked tools and difficulty in smooth pivoting.
Innovation Solution
A folding tool set design featuring a polygonal fixing shaft, spacers with tolerance, and elastic members allows for smooth pivoting by preventing the fixing shaft and spacers from rotating with the tools, using a polygonal radial section and circular connecting holes, and incorporating wave washers for additional space and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the spacers and tools are closely fitted on the fixing shaft to prevent arbitrary sliding, then the stability of the tool set is improved, but the tools cannot be pivoted smoothly due to tight space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic member (wave washer) between the spacer and the tool, changing the rigid connection into a flexible connection with controlled compliance. This allows the tool to pivot smoothly while maintaining stable positioning when at rest, as the elastic member provides both constraint and movement capability.
2Ease of operation
If the fixing shaft and spacers are rotated when one tool is pulled, then the tool can be pivoted, but the other adjacent tools are also pivoted causing unwanted linking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection between the fixing shaft and each tool by introducing individual spacers and elastic members for each tool-spacer-shaft interface. This segmentation isolates the rotational movement of each tool, allowing one tool to pivot without causing the fixing shaft and other tools to rotate, thereby eliminating unwanted linking.
3Reliability
If the spacers and tools are closely fitted to prevent sliding, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to tight tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid tight-fit to flexible elastic connection. The wave washer provides reliable connection through elastic deformation rather than tight tolerances, significantly reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
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 design enables smooth and independent pivoting of tools, preventing unwanted linking and improving usability by maintaining the fixing shaft and spacers in a stationary state, allowing for easier handling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member has elasticity in an axial direction of the fixing shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A folding tool set includes an accommodating seat, a fixing shaft, many tools, many spacers, and an elastic member. The accommodating seat defines an accommodating space. The fixing shaft is disposed on the accommodating seat and has a polygonal radial section. One end of each tool is formed with a connecting hole through which the fixing shaft passes. The tools are pivotally connected to the fixing shaft and movably accommodated in the accommodating space. The spacers are spaced apart from each other and disposed on the fixing shaft. The spacers each have a through hole. The through hole corresponds in shape to the radial section of the fixing shaft. The elastic member is disposed on the fixing shaft. The elastic member has elasticity in an axial direction of the fixing shaft. When one of the tools is pivoted, the fixing shaft won't be driven to link the other tools.