Multipurpose Handle Attachment Tool with Cam Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipurpose handle and workpiece attachment tools in the camping and outdoor recreational fields are either cumbersome with separate attachment mechanisms or limited in functionality due to structural constraints, lacking a strong and reliable solution that can easily switch between various tools like axes, saws, shovels, hammers, and hooks.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose handle and workpiece attachment tool featuring a handle with a sleeve and cam clamping lever, and a workpiece with spring-loaded buttons, allowing for secure engagement and easy conversion between different tool configurations through alignment slots and apertures, enabling the tool to function as a shovel, axe, saw, hammer, and hook.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate attachment mechanisms like hitch pins and thumb screw bars are used, then the tool can be assembled, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the attachment mechanism directly into the handle structure. The handle contains a hollow interior with a cam mechanism that directly engages with workpiece attachment portions, eliminating the need for separate hitch pins, thumb screw bars, or other external fastening components. This merging of the attachment function into the handle itself reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with a universal attachment system that can accommodate multiple types of workpieces (shovels, axes, saws, hammers, hooks) through a single integrated cam mechanism. The cam mechanism can engage with different workpiece attachment portions in various configurations, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate attachment mechanisms for each tool type.
2Ease of operation
If built-in structures are used to attach handle and workpiece, then assembly is simplified, but the range of tools is limited and effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides a dynamic attachment system that can adapt to different workpiece configurations. The cam can be rotated to engage with various workpiece attachment portions in different positions and orientations, allowing the same built-in structure to accommodate multiple tool types including shovels, axes, saws, hammers, and hooks with varying geometries and attachment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece attachment portions are designed as separate, modular components that can be independently configured. The hollow handle interior is segmented into regions that can accommodate different workpiece types, with the cam mechanism able to engage with various segments or configurations of the attachment portions to create different tool assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for attachment, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to fitting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is merged into the handle structure, with the cam mechanism and hollow interior forming an integrated assembly system. This eliminates the need to fit separate hitch pins, thumb screw bars, or other external components, allowing users to simply attach workpieces to the handle and secure them with the integrated cam mechanism in a single straightforward operation.
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 tool provides a strong, reliable, and versatile attachment system that allows easy switching between various functions, ensuring durability and effectiveness across a range of outdoor tasks without the need for additional components, enhancing user convenience and tool versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring loaded button which is spring biased to move into the clip-lock aperture when the first and second attachment portions are engaged
Implementation Method 2
a cam clamping lever having an eccentric cam surface which is adapted to be moved into and out of a cam-lock aperture in the sleeve by operation of the cam clamping lever
Data Source
AI summary
A multipurpose handle and workpiece attachment tool (10, 12, 14) has a handle (16) and a workpiece (18). The handle has a grip portion (20) at a first end and a first attachment portion (22) at a second end. The workpiece has a second attachment portion (24) adapted to engage the first attachment portion of the handle. The first attachment portion has a sleeve (26) with an opening (30) which can receive the second attachment portion. The sleeve has a clip-lock aperture (32) and a cam-lock aperture (34), and there is a cam clamping lever (28) pivotally connected to the sleeve. The cam clamping lever has an eccentric cam surface (36) which can be moved into and out of the cam-lock aperture by operating the cam clamping lever. The second attachment portion has a first spring loaded button (38a, 38b, 42a) which is spring biased to move into the clip-lock aperture when the first and second attachment portions are engaged, and also has a cam engaging surface (40) against which the eccentric cam surface is pressed when the cam clamping lever is operated. In this way, the handle and the workpiece assume a locked configuration.