Handle-End Effector Connection with Anti-Rotation Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for housekeeping and gardening often have insecure connections between handles and end effectors, leading to potential detachment during use and difficulty in replacing or switching end effectors.
Innovation Solution
A secure connection system using an end fitting attached to the handle and a coupler on the end effector, featuring a clip to prevent rotation, threaded connection, and optional adhesive or fasteners for stability, ensuring a firm and removable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a friction fitting or simple threaded connection is used to join the handle and end effector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection stability and reliability deteriorate, leading to potential detachment during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple functional components: an end fitting with internal threads attached to the handle, a coupler with external threads that engages with the end fitting, and a clip that prevents rotation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing a reliable and secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is inserted into the end fitting, with the coupler's external threads engaging with the end fitting's internal threads. This nested arrangement allows the smaller coupler to be housed within the larger end fitting, creating a compact and integrated connection structure that combines threading and anti-rotation features.
2Reliability
If a secure multi-component connection system is used to prevent detachment, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting interface for the handle, contains internal threads for engaging the coupler, and includes a passage for the clip to prevent rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading mechanism and anti-rotation feature are merged into a single integrated connection system. The clip passes through an opening in the end fitting and engages with the coupler, combining the functions of mechanical engagement and rotational prevention in one cohesive structure.
3Reliability
If a permanent or difficult-to-remove connection is used, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates, making end effector replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic removable connection. The threaded engagement allows the coupler to be screwed onto and off of the end fitting, while the clip provides anti-rotation during use but can be disengaged for replacement. This dynamic design enables the connection to adapt between secure attachment and easy removal based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component between the handle's end fitting and the end effector. It provides a standardized interface that allows different end effectors to be attached and removed easily while maintaining a secure connection during use, facilitating quick changes without permanent attachment.
4Device complexity
If no anti-rotation mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to potential rotation during use
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation function is extracted as a separate feature implemented by the clip, which is distinct from the threading mechanism. The clip passes through an opening in the end fitting and engages with the coupler, providing rotational prevention as an independent function that can be added or removed without affecting the threading engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for making a tool for use in housekeeping or gardening is disclosed. The tool includes a handle and an end effector that are joined together using an end fitting attached to the end of the handle and a coupler attached to the end effector, such as a mop, brush, broom and the like. The end fitting and the coupler are fitted together and pinned using a clip to prevent rotation of one respect to the other. The end fitting and coupler may be fitted together with a threaded connection in addition to the clip and the end effector may be threaded and glued to the end effector. The end fitting may be received in the end fitting and secured with fasteners or be made integral to the end fitting.