Forearm Brace Vibration Transfer for Power Tool Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged use of power tools leads to discomfort and fatigue in operators due to pressure and vibration, with existing solutions like cushioned gloves reducing grip strength and tool balancers being expensive and limited in application.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that transfer the pressure and vibration from the wrist to the forearm using a connector attached to the power tool and a brace attached to the operator's forearm, utilizing linkages, vibration absorbers, and adjustable straps to distribute the force across the forearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cushioned gloves are used to reduce vibration and pressure, then comfort is improved, but grip strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wrist-mounted vibration isolation device as an intermediary system between the hand and the tool. This device includes a vibration isolation mechanism with springs and dampers that selectively filters harmful vibrations while maintaining direct hand-to-tool contact, thus preserving grip strength. The intermediary device absorbs specific frequency ranges of vibration without interfering with the operator's gripping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration isolation system is segmented into multiple independent components including spring elements, damper elements, and mounting structures. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of vibration control independently, while collectively providing comprehensive vibration reduction without compromising overall hand strength and grip functionality.
2Weight of moving object
If tool balancers are used to reduce effective tool weight, then operator fatigue is reduced, but they are expensive and have limited application reach
Solution Approach 1:
The wrist-mounted vibration isolation device is a self-contained unit that attaches directly to the operator's wrist and the power tool, requiring no external support infrastructure. The device uses its own integrated springs and dampers to provide vibration isolation and weight compensation, making it independently functional without needing expensive external balancer systems or specialized installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration isolation device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces vibration, compensates for tool weight, and can be applied to various power tools regardless of their specific characteristics. The universal wrist-mounted design accommodates different tool types and weights, providing adaptability across various applications without requiring tool-specific customization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ergonomic tool handles are used to improve comfort, then operator comfort is improved for some users, but they do not benefit all users due to varying hand sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to accommodate all hand sizes through handle geometry variations, the patent moves the solution to another dimension - the wrist-mounted vibration isolation device. This approach addresses comfort issues at the wrist level rather than at the hand-grip interface, making it universally applicable to operators regardless of their hand size or ergonomic preferences for handle design.
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
Relieves stress and fatigue in the hand and wrist by channeling pressure and vibration to the forearm, providing comfort and reducing discomfort during extended tool use.
Implementation Method 1
a connector (204) that is coupled to the power tool; a brace (206) that is coupled to the forearm of the human operator and to the connector (204)
Implementation Method 2
The brace (206) includes a linkage (210, 212) that is connected to the connector (204)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transferring vibration of a motorized hand tool from a wrist to a forearm of a human operator is disclosed. The apparatus includes a connector that is coupled to the motorized hand tool and also includes a brace that is coupled to the forearm of the human operator and is also coupled to the connector.