Hand Tool Attachment Device with Variable Diameter Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many hand tools lack connection points for attaching external accessories, making storage, organization, and hanging difficult, leading to tools being misplaced or hard to organize.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device with a connection member and a receiver that forms a central channel to securely attach to the handle of a hand tool, allowing for the attachment of accessories and providing a means to hang the tool, featuring a variable inner diameter that adjusts with axial forces to apply a compressive force, ensuring secure attachment and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand tools are placed in drawers or on tabletops for storage, then they are easily accessible, but they can be easily lost, misplaced, and difficult to organize
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device integrates a receiver that receives the handle portion of the hand tool, creating a nested structure where the tool is contained within the attachment device. This nesting allows the tool to be securely held while maintaining easy accessibility, and the connection point on the attachment device enables organized hanging storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device serves as an intermediary between the hand tool and storage structures. By providing a connection point that can interface with hooks, lanyards, or other mounting systems, the attachment device mediates between the tool and various storage solutions, enabling organized storage while keeping the tool easily retrievable.
2Device complexity
If the receiver has a fixed inner diameter, then the structure is simple, but it cannot securely retain tools of varying handle sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver employs a flexible annular wall that can dynamically change its inner diameter. When axial force is applied during insertion, the wall flexes to accommodate the handle; when the force is released, the wall returns to its original configuration, creating a secure retaining force. This dynamic behavior allows the same receiver structure to adapt to various handle sizes without requiring multiple sizes or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner diameter parameter of the receiver is made variable through the use of flexible material. The parameter changes in response to applied axial force, allowing the receiver to transition from a larger diameter (for insertion) to a smaller diameter (for retention). This parameter change enables universal compatibility across different tool handles while maintaining a simple, unified receiver design.
3Strength
If the receiver is made rigid for structural strength, then it provides stable support, but it cannot apply compressive force to secure the handle portion
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver utilizes a flexible annular wall made of elastomeric or polymeric material that can deform under axial load. This flexible shell allows the receiver to conform to the handle portion and apply compressive forces for secure retention, while the material's inherent elasticity maintains structural integrity and provides stable support. The flexibility enables the wall to act as a spring, storing energy during insertion and releasing it to create retaining force.
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 attachment device provides a secure and versatile method for attaching external accessories and hanging hand tools, preventing misplacement and improving organization by creating a connection point where none existed, enhancing usability and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The central channel defines a variable inner diameter. The variable inner diameter is configured to increase when a compressing force is applied axially to the receiver, and is configured to decrease when a stretching force is applied axially to the receiver. The receiver is configured to apply a compressive force to the handle portion when the handle portion is positioned within the central channel.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device for use with a hand tool having a handle portion with a distal end includes a connection member having a connection point, and a receiver coupled to and extending axially from the connection member to define a central channel having an open end. The receiver is configured to receive at least a portion of the handle portion within the central channel via the open end. The receiver is configured to permit the insertion of the handle portion into the central channel while restricting the removal of the handle portion therefrom.