Hand Tool Flexible Head Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools with fixed head angles are limiting in flexibility and can be costly and complex to design, making it difficult to provide tools that are easy to use while maintaining low production and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible interface for hand tools that includes a locking assembly and retention assembly, allowing the head portion to pivot relative to the shaft about a pivot axis, with an actuator transitioning between locked and unlocked states to fix or change the angle, and a retention mechanism to maintain each state securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed angle head portion is used in hand tools, then the structural simplicity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the adaptability and flexibility for different fastener angles are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion is designed to be dynamically adjustable relative to the shaft, allowing it to pivot about a pivot axis to achieve different angles. The flexible interface includes moving components that enable the head to assume multiple angular positions, transforming a static fixed-angle design into a dynamic multi-angle system that adapts to various fastener orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The hand tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a shaft, a head portion, and a flexible interface connecting them. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables the head portion to be positioned at different angles relative to the shaft through the flexible interface, providing angular adjustability without requiring a completely redesigned tool structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible head portion is designed to enable different angles, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible interface incorporates a locking assembly with an actuator that can transition between locked and unlocked states. When unlocked, the head portion can pivot to different angles; when locked, it maintains the selected angle. This dynamic locking mechanism provides flexible adjustability using relatively simple mechanical components that are cost-effective to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The retention assembly automatically retains the actuator in each respective position (locked or unlocked) without requiring continuous operator intervention. The system self-maintains its state through the interaction of the locking assembly and retention assembly, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms and lowering manufacturing costs
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to fix the head angle, then the stability in locked position is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly is designed to automatically retain the actuator in each respective position (locked or unlocked) without requiring continuous operator intervention. Once the actuator is positioned, the retention assembly self-maintains that state, eliminating the need for complex control systems and reducing operational complexity while ensuring stable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and retention functions are extracted as separate, dedicated assemblies (locking assembly with actuator, and retention assembly) rather than being integrated into a complex single mechanism. This separation allows each assembly to perform its specific function simply and effectively, improving ease of operation while maintaining stability
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool (100,200) may include a head portion (110,210) configured to interface with a fastener, a shaft (120,220) and a grip portion at which an operator is enabled to hold the hand tool during operation, and a flexible interface (130,230) configured to operably couple the shaft and the head portion in a locked state and an unlocked state. The flexible interface is also configured to enable the head portion to pivot relative to the shaft about a pivot axis that extends substantially perpendicular to a direction of extension of the shaft. In the unlocked state, an angle of the head portion may be pivotable relative to the pivot axis. In the locked state, the angle of the head portion may be fixed. The flexible interface may include a locking assembly (150) including an actuator (152, 250, 250′) having a locked position defining the locked state and an unlocked position defining the unlocked state. The flexible interface may also include a retention assembly (160) configured to retain the actuator in each respective one of the locked position and the unlocked position.