Hinged Retention Device for Power Tool Edge Resting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cordless hand-held power tools lack a suitable means to be securely rested on edges or high positions, risking damage when used in elevated or edge-based work environments.
Innovation Solution
A retention device with adhesively attachable plates and hinges allows the tool to be set down stably on an object's edge, featuring extendable and foldable side plates with notches for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power tool is designed to be rested in an upright position on a flat surface, then the tool is easy to retrieve and protected from damage, but there is no suitable place for the tool to be rested when working at high positions or standing up
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device incorporates movable plates connected by hinges that can transition between extended and retracted positions. When extended, the plates provide notches for resting on edges; when retracted, they maintain a compact profile for flat surface placement. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to different working positions and resting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device is divided into multiple separable components: a first plate attached to the tool, and second and third plates connected via hinges. These segmented plates can independently adjust their positions to accommodate various resting scenarios, whether on flat surfaces or edges, enhancing both ease of retrieval and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power tool is rested on an edge without proper support, then the user can work at high positions or while standing, but the tool risks being dropped and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device acts as an intermediary between the power tool and the edge surface. The second and third plates with notches provide a specialized interface that fits onto edges, distributing the tool's weight and preventing slips. This intermediary structure enables edge resting while maintaining reliability by ensuring secure contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device is pre-configured with notches in the second and third plates that are designed to fit specific edge geometries. This preliminary design of the resting interface ensures that when the device is extended and placed on an edge, the notches automatically engage with the edge surface, preventing drops before they can occur.
3Reliability
If a retention device with extendable plates and hinges is added to the power tool, then the tool can be set down stably on edges, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component system. The first plate, second plate, third plate, and hinges are combined into one unit that attaches to the power tool. This merging provides both flat surface and edge resting capabilities while minimizing the number of separate components that would need to be managed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device is designed as a universal solution that performs multiple functions: it enables stable resting on flat surfaces when the plates are retracted, and stable resting on edges when the plates are extended. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for different resting scenarios, thereby managing complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A retention device for hand-held power tools. The retention device may include a first plate which may be attached to the underside of the power tool; a second plate and a third plate which may be connected to the first plate via hinges. The second and third plates may have aligned notches fit for an object such as a piece of lumber. When the second and third plates are extended, the retention device may allow the power tool to be set down on the edge of the object in an upright position. When the second and third plates are folded, the power tool may still be placed in an upright position on a flat surface.