Detachable Hand Tool Coupling With Sliding Unlock and Dirt Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tool connection mechanisms are difficult to unlock due to the need for simultaneous pressing of a rigid connecting part and pulling the tool head and shaft apart, and are prone to dirt accumulation, which hinders proper functioning.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism featuring a spigot with a flexible element that can be pressed downward by a sliding piece, allowing for separate unlocking and detachment of the tool head from the shaft, and a sliding piece that covers the gap to prevent dirt intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connecting part is used to lock the tool head to the shaft, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it requires simultaneous pressing and pulling to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part is changed from a rigid structure to a flexible element that can dynamically change its position. The flexible element can be pressed into a retracted position to unlock and naturally returns to its protruding locking position, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic system that adapts between locked and unlocked states.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the connecting part is changed from rigid to flexible. This parameter change allows the connecting part to be easily pressed by finger force to retract into the socket gap, and then automatically return to its locking position due to its elastic properties, solving the difficulty of unlocking rigid connections.
2Ease of operation
If the socket gap and connecting part are exposed for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to dirt accumulation that prevents proper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factor (dirt) is excluded from the connection mechanism by introducing a protective cover. The cover encloses the socket gap and flexible element, creating a sealed environment that prevents dirt accumulation while still allowing the flexible element to move freely for locking and unlocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective cover is introduced to enclose the connection mechanism components. The cover acts as a protective shell that prevents dirt and debris from entering the socket gap and accumulating around the flexible element, thereby maintaining reliability without compromising accessibility.
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
Facilitates easier unlocking and improved reliability by allowing separate operations for unlocking and detachment, while preventing dirt from entering the mechanism, enhancing the connection's functionality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible element (12) that protrudes outwardly from the surface of the spigot (8) and that can be pressed downwardly, for instance to be on the level with the spigot surface or below the spigot surface
Implementation Method 2
the spigot is provided with or thereon is mounted a connecting part, such as a pin or a strip/clip, that protrudes in a flexible or spring-loaded manner outwardly from the surface of the spigot
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hand tool (1) comprising a shaft (2) and a tool part (6) lockable in a detachable manner thereto by means of a connection mechanism (4) which comprises a spigot (8) and a socket (10) that are detachably interconnectable, which spigot (8) comprises a flexible element (12) that protrudes outwardly from the spigot surface (8) and which socket (10) comprises a gap (14) to receive the flexible element (12) when the spigot (8) is set inside the socket (8) for interlocking the shaft (2) and the tool part (6). According to the invention, the connection mechanism (4) comprises a sliding piece (16) mounted on top of the socket (10) and movable in the axial direction of the socket (10) for pressing the flexible element (12) out of the gap (14).