Work Tool Handle Layout for Grip and Display Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work tools with handlebars and grips interfere with ergonomic performance and visibility of control and display elements, leading to reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A handle design with a shaft having a fixed end and a free end, featuring a display device and control elements positioned close to the fixed end, allowing ergonomic grip and simultaneous control/display of multiple functions without obstructing the operator's view or touch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If control elements and display devices are arranged on the handle for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the operator's grip and visibility are obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to control elementsVSAvoidobstruction of grip and visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into distinct functional zones: a first holding section for ergonomic gripping, a second holding section for alternative grip positions, and a separate display device positioned on the inner surface. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function without interfering with others, resolving the conflict between control accessibility and grip comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is positioned on the inner surface of the handle rather than the outer surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth/inner-outer orientation) to relocate the display. This dimensional change allows the display to be visible and accessible without obstructing the operator's external grip on the handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control elements are added to the handle, then device functionality is improved, but the handle structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidhandle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control elements are integrated into a unified display device structure on the inner surface of the handle. The display device serves as a consolidated control interface that can display and control multiple device functions simultaneously, reducing structural complexity compared to having separate physical controls for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is designed as a multi-functional control interface that can display various operating information and control multiple device functions through a single integrated unit. This universal design allows one structure to serve multiple purposes, avoiding the need for separate control elements for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If the display device is positioned for visibility, then information transmission is improved, but the operator's grip area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of displayVSAvoidgrip area
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is positioned on the inner surface of the handle, utilizing the depth dimension to achieve visibility without occupying external grip space. This allows the display to be viewed by the operator while the outer surface remains fully available for ergonomic gripping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle surface is segmented into external grip areas and an internal display area. This spatial segmentation separates the functions of gripping and displaying, allowing both to be optimized independently without compromising either grip area or display visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4684628A1Working machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP4684628A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4684628A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4684628A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a handle for a hand-held work device, wherein the handle (6, 7) has a shaft (8) having a fastening end (9) and a free end (10) and extending from the fastening end (9) to the free end (10) over a shaft length (a), wherein the shaft (8) of the handle (6, 7) is fixed at the fastening end (9), wherein the handle (6, 7) has a first control element (11) for controlling the work device (1), wherein the first control element is arranged adjacent to the free end (10) of the shaft (8), wherein the handle (6, 7) has a display device (20) with a display element (21) for transmitting operating information to the operator (51), wherein the display device (20) is arranged on the shaft (8) such that a distance (e) between the display device (20) and the fastening end (9) is less than half the shaft length (a).