Hinged String Trimmer Pole With Protected Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
String trimmers with single integral poles are unwieldy and costly to ship, and existing folding designs complicate transport and storage, with electrical cables often exposed to damage during folding.
Innovation Solution
A poled cutting device with a hinged pole allowing easy folding, featuring a hub with an opening for the electrical cable and a latch for locking, along with a guard to prevent full folding when the battery is inserted, ensuring cable protection and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single integral pole is used, then the structure is simplest and cheapest to manufacture, but the tool becomes unwieldy and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into two separate sections that can be connected via a hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows the pole to be folded into a compact configuration for easy transport and storage, while maintaining full length functionality when deployed. The hinge connection enables the pole sections to be joined securely during use and separated when needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If two separate poles are used to reduce shipping costs, then the tool can be disassembled, but assembly is complex and transport remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism merges the two pole sections into a unified, foldable structure. The hinge includes a hub with an opening that receives the electrical cable, and a latch mechanism that locks the pole sections together when in use. This integrated design simplifies assembly compared to traditional two-pole systems while maintaining the ability to disassemble for transport.
3Ease of operation
If the pole is made foldable for easy transport, then storage becomes simpler, but the electrical cable is exposed to damage from repeated folding
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cable is nested within the hinge structure, specifically passing through the hub opening. This protective routing ensures the cable remains enclosed and protected from external damage during repeated folding and unfolding operations. The cable is integrated into the hinge mechanism rather than being externally exposed.
4Volume of moving object
If the pole is fully folded for compact storage, then transport space is reduced, but the battery may be damaged or accidental activation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The guard extends from the motor housing to prevent the battery from being fully inserted into the battery housing when the pole is in a folded or partially folded position. This preliminary protective action prevents potential battery damage or accidental activation before the user can insert the battery. The guard only allows full battery insertion when the pole is in the fully extended, operational position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is directed to an outdoor device, preferably a string trimmer, having a hinged pole for folding the string trimmer. The hinge has an easy to use lock that allows for repeated folding of the trimmer for easy transport and storage. The string trimmer has a battery at a rear end of the pole near the handle, and a motor at a front end on the cutting head. An electrical cable is run from the battery to the motor to provide power to the motor. The hinge provides a protective sheath around the cable to protect it from damage when the string trimmer is folded and the cable might otherwise be exposed. Additionally, the string trimmer includes a guard around the cutting head that contacts a battery housing to secure the string trimmer in a folded position.