Ice Axe Hand Rest Self-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice axes with adjustable hand rests are difficult to adjust, especially when wearing gloves, and often fail to provide a secure clamping effect under high loads or when slipping.
Innovation Solution
The ice ax features a hand rest with a first locking portion that engages a second locking portion of the shaft upon downward force, blocking movement towards the tip, and releases upon upward force, allowing intuitive and easy adjustment, with a self-locking mechanism that enhances security by tilting and jamming when force is applied downwards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to allow hand rest position adjustment, then the hand rest can be moved to different positions, but the mechanism becomes difficult to actuate especially when wearing gloves and under difficult operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is inverted so that the default state is locked and the hand rest cannot move, while intentional upward force on the projection releases the lock. This reverses the conventional approach where the default is unlocked and requires active engagement to lock. The projection acts as a cam that lifts the blocking portion off the shaft surface, allowing movement only when deliberately actuated upward.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand rest automatically locks into position on the shaft without requiring separate locking actions. When the hand rest is moved to a desired position and released, the blocking portion automatically engages with the shaft surface under the influence of downward force, providing self-locking functionality that eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If a simple clamping mechanism is used for the hand rest, then the structure is simple, but it does not allow a sufficiently firm clamping effect under high loads such as when slipping off the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking portion is designed to engage with the shaft surface in a way that utilizes downward force (the weight and pulling force on the ice ax) to increase the clamping effect. When load is applied downward on the hand rest, the blocking portion is pressed firmly against the shaft, creating a self-reinforcing clamping effect that prevents slipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is inverted so that the default state is locked and the hand rest cannot move, while intentional upward force on the projection releases the lock. This reverses the conventional approach where the default is unlocked and requires active engagement to lock. The projection acts as a cam that lifts the blocking portion off the shaft surface, allowing movement only when deliberately actuated upward.
3Ease of operation
If the hand rest is designed to allow easy movement along the shaft, then adjustment is simple, but the hand rest cannot remain securely in a set position under load
Solution Approach 1:
The hand rest system transitions between two dynamic states: a movable state when upward force is applied to the projection (lifting the blocking portion), and a locked state when downward force is applied (pressing the blocking portion against the shaft). This dynamic behavior allows the system to be easily adjustable when needed while automatically securing the position under operational loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand rest automatically locks into position on the shaft without requiring separate locking actions. When the hand rest is moved to a desired position and released, the blocking portion automatically engages with the shaft surface under the influence of downward force, providing self-locking functionality that eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
The solution enables simple, intuitive adjustment of the hand rest even with gloves and ensures secure blocking under high loads or when slipping, providing reliable positioning and increased safety.
Implementation Method 1
the first locking portion lockingly engaging a second locking portion of the shaft upon application of a force on the projection toward the tip of the ice ax
Implementation Method 2
upon application of a force on the projection toward the tip of the ice ax so that movement of the hand rest toward the tip is blocked
Implementation Method 3
the hand rest tilts on the outer circumference of the shank portion, so that movement along the shank portion is blocked. The canting leads to self-locking
Implementation Method 4
when a force is exerted on the projection in the direction of the tip of the ice ax, the hand rest tilts on the outer circumference of the shank portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention comprises an ice axe (10) comprising a head section (14) with a pick (18), a point (16), a shaft section (12) extending between the head section and the point, and a hand support (26) which is slidable along the shaft section and lockable in different positions, wherein the hand support (26) has a projection (28) extending radially from the shaft section.