Hand Tool Shank Angle Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand tools with pivotally connected handles and shanks are inefficient due to numerous redundant angles and pose safety risks from sharp edges, making it difficult for users to set the shank at desired angles and increasing the risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool design featuring a locking unit with a detent and spring mechanism that allows the shank to be retained at two specific angles (175° to 185° and 115° to 145°) relative to the handle, using a flat insert with arched faces and a pivot with a thread and screw for secure connection, and a button to pivot the shank safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple recesses are provided on the semicircular ridge for various angles, then the adaptability of angle selection is improved, but the device complexity increases and time consumption increases due to too many redundant angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the two most useful angles (115°-145° and 175°-185°) from the full range of possible angles, removing redundant angle options. This is achieved by providing only two recesses (first and second recesses) on the semicircular ridge instead of multiple recesses for various angles, thereby simplifying the locking mechanism while maintaining essential adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous semicircular ridge into discrete locking positions by providing only two specific recesses at predetermined angles. This segmentation approach allows the shank to be retained at specific useful angles while eliminating the complexity of providing continuous or near-continuous angular positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple recesses are provided on the semicircular ridge for various angles, then the adaptability of angle selection is improved, but the time required to set the shank increases due to too many redundant angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the two most useful angles (115°-145° and 175°-185°) from the full range of possible angles, removing redundant angle options. This is achieved by providing only two recesses (first and second recesses) on the semicircular ridge instead of multiple recesses for various angles, thereby simplifying the locking mechanism while maintaining essential adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a semicircular ridge with multiple recesses is used for angle retention, then the adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to tooth-like portions that may injure users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the two most useful angles (115°-145° and 175°-185°) from the full range of possible angles, removing redundant angle options. This is achieved by providing only two recesses (first and second recesses) on the semicircular ridge instead of multiple recesses for various angles, thereby simplifying the locking mechanism while maintaining essential adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature by designing the semicircular ridge with a smooth curved surface between the two recesses, eliminating the tooth-like portions that extend from a ridged structure. The curved surface provides a safe, continuous profile that prevents user injury while still enabling the detent to engage at the two specific angular positions.
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 design enhances efficiency by allowing quick selection of two useful angles and ensures user safety by eliminating sharp edges, providing a more practical and safer operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (25) for biasing the detent (20)
Implementation Method 2
a pivot (30) with a thread and a screw (31) engaged with the thread of the pivot (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool includes a handle, a shank pivotally connected to the handle, and a locking unit operable for retaining the shank in a selected one of first and second angles relative to the handle. The first angle is about 175° to 185°, wherein the second angle is about 115° to 145°.