Hydraulic Tool Dual Grip Segmentation Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
As tools with higher output force become heavier, traditional housing designs become uncomfortable for users, particularly since they are designed for a 'suitcase' style of holding where the operator uses one hand for both activation and drain triggers, limiting ergonomic comfort and usability.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held hydraulic tool with dual hand grip sections and user control systems, featuring a pump, hydraulic fluid conduit system, and a solenoid connected to drain switches, allowing operation from either grip section and preventing accidental activation of the drain system when the tool is held in a 'glove' style.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the tool is designed with higher output force, then the tool performance is improved, but the tool weight increases making it uncomfortable to use
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into two distinct grip sections: a first grip section for holding the tool and a second grip section for operating controls. This segmentation allows the user to distribute the tool's weight across different body parts (hand holding vs. arm support), making the heavier tool more comfortable to operate while maintaining high output force capability
2Device complexity
If the tool is designed for traditional suitcase style holding, then the structure is simple, but the ergonomic comfort is reduced when the tool is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two functional grip sections with distinct purposes. The first grip section provides a comfortable holding position, while the second grip section provides alternative control access. This segmentation creates a new ergonomic paradigm that accommodates heavy tools without requiring complex additional support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to tool operation by providing two spatially separated grip sections along the tool's length. This allows users to transition between different holding positions (e.g., holding at first grip with arm support at second grip, or vice versa), creating multiple ergonomic configurations rather than a single fixed holding position
3Ease of operation
If dual user controls are added at different locations, then the ergonomic usability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second grip sections provide complete or partial control functionality for operating the hydraulic tool. This multi-functionality ensures that regardless of which grip section the user holds, they have access to the controls needed to operate the tool, making the dual-control system efficient rather than redundant
Solution Approach 2:
The second grip section replicates essential control functions (such as drain control switches) that are also available at the first grip section. This copying of control functions allows users to operate the tool comfortably from either position, with the replicated controls ensuring that operational capability is maintained across both grip locations
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
Enables comfortable operation of heavy hydraulic tools in either 'suitcase' or 'glove' style, enhancing ergonomic usability by distributing weight and preventing accidental drain activation, thus improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid connected to the drain member and the drain switches. The solenoid is adapted to move the drain member to an open position when the first or second drain switches are activated by a user.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held hydraulic tool including a hydraulic drive system comprising a pump; and a user control system for at least partially controlling operation of the hydraulic tool. The user control system includes a first user control at a first location having a first pump activation control switch and a first hydraulic drive system drain control switch, and a second user control at a second location having a second pump activation control switch and a second hydraulic drive system drain control switch. The hydraulic tool is adapted to be controlled by a user at either of the first or the second locations.