Garden Tool Attachment Lift-Lock Mechanism for Quick Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden tools have limited functionality due to their single-function design, leading to reduced usage rates throughout the year, as attachments like snow throwers require adjustable positions for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A garden tool system equipped with an adjusting device that includes a lifting device and a locking mechanism, allowing the attachment to be quickly and conveniently adjusted between two positions, enhancing the tool's versatility and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a garden tool is designed with a single function module, then the structure is simple, but the usage rate is reduced due to seasonal limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The garden tool is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple different attachments (snow thrower, cultivator, tiller, etc.), allowing a single tool to perform multiple functions across different seasons and tasks, thereby improving usage rate without requiring completely separate tools for each function
2Ease of operation
If an attachment is designed to be adjustable in position, then the use effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is designed with dynamic positioning capability through a pedal-operated lifting mechanism that allows the attachment to be adjusted between multiple positions (lower working position and higher transport position), enabling the attachment to adapt to different operational requirements such as ground-level work versus obstacle clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting device incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically maintains the attachment in its adjusted position without requiring continuous operator input, and includes a reset mechanism that automatically returns the attachment to its initial position after use, reducing the burden on the operator
3Productivity
If an attachment needs to be quickly adjusted between positions, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism (locking portion with holding protrusion) that operates independently from the lifting action, allowing the attachment to be quickly secured in the adjusted position without complicating the overall lifting structure
Solution Approach 2:
A pedal assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism that translates the operator's foot pressure into both the lifting motion and the engagement of the locking mechanism, enabling quick position changes through a single simple action rather than requiring multiple separate controls
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 adjusting device significantly improves the practicality of garden tools by enabling attachments to be positioned optimally for various tasks, thereby increasing the tool's usage rate across different seasons.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism including: a fixing portion connected to the garden tool; and a locking portion, rotatably connected with the fixing portion; wherein the locking portion is engaging with the lifting device when the attachment is in the first position
Implementation Method 2
the lifting device comprises a pedal assembly rotatably connected to the attachment, and a connecting portion connected to the pedal portion and the attachment
Implementation Method 3
the locking mechanism further comprises a reset mechanism, two ends of the reset mechanism connected to the fixing portion and the locking portion respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An adjusting device includes a lifting device for adjusting a position of an attachment in use and a locking mechanism. The lifting device is switched between a locking position and a free position under a locking action of the locking mechanism, the lifting device drives the attachment to move to a first position when the lifting device is in the locking position; and the lifting device drives the attachment to move to a second position so as to work when the lifting device is in the free position. The adjusting device has a simple structure, a low production cost, an easy maintenance, and a garden tool using the adjusting device can conveniently and quickly adjust the position of the attachment connected to the garden tool.