Gooseneck Power Tool Handle for Trigger Access and Arm Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power tools, such as rivet guns, often cause injuries due to misalignment of the hand grip with the output force axis, improper trigger location, and non-ergonomic handle design, leading to discomfort and misfires during use.
Innovation Solution
The ergonomic handle design aligns the user's arm with the output force axis through a 'gooseneck' configuration, featuring a handle region with specific finger accommodations and a forward-facing trigger, ensuring optimal balance and minimizing rotational torque forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hand grip is not in line with the output force axis, then the trigger location can be accessible, but the user experiences misalignment causing injury and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional trigger location from the rear of the handle to the front, positioning it on the forward-facing surface of the first region. This inversion allows the trigger to be actuated by the index finger while the hand grip remains in line with the output force axis, eliminating misalignment injuries while maintaining trigger accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the trigger from a rearward location to a forward location on the handle, changing its spatial dimension relative to the hand grip. This dimensional repositioning enables the trigger to be accessible to the index finger while the hand grip aligns with the output force axis, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and safety
2Device complexity
If the handle shape and size do not conform to ergonomic standards, then the structure can be simple, but the user experiences discomfort during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions along the handle, each with specific characteristics: the first region has a rearward concave surface for the thumb and index finger, the second region has a rearward convex surface for the middle finger, the third region has a rearward convex surface for the ring finger, and the fourth region has a forward concave surface for the pinky finger. This localized differentiation provides ergonomic comfort while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved surfaces throughout the handle design, including rearward concave and convex surfaces in different regions. These curvatures conform to the natural shape of the human hand, providing ergonomic comfort during prolonged use while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure
3Device complexity
If the hand grip angle is not suitable for ideal balance, then the tool can be compact, but the user experiences rotational torque forces reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional grip angle by positioning the handle at a non-orthogonal angle to the output force axis, with the first region substantially coaxial with the output force axis. This inverted angle alignment allows the user's arm to be in line with the output force axis, eliminating rotational torque forces and improving assembly productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a handle for a tool head. The handle includes a handle region having a first end and a second end. The handle region includes a first region adjacent the first end and adapted to receive a user's thumb and index finger, the first region including a trigger for actuating the tool head. The handle region also includes a second region adjacent the first region that is adapted to receive the user's middle finger and a first portion of the user's palm, and a third region adjacent the second region and adapted to receive the user's ring finger and a second portion of the user's palm. The handle region also includes a fourth region disposed between the third region and the second end that is adapted to receive the user's pinky finger and a third portion of the user's palm.