Interchangeable Handle for Dent Straightening Hook

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interchangeable handles for straightening hooks lack protection against the hook slipping out during rotation, leading to potential falls into vehicle openings and requiring complete removal for handle changes.

Innovation Solution

A buckling hook interchangeable handle with a coupling piece featuring external teeth and a push-pull locking mechanism that securely engages with internal teeth in the handle coupling, allowing for rotational adjustment in 15° increments and preventing unintentional detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle is rotated at 45° intervals relative to the hook's longitudinal axis to optimize force application, then the angle of the handle can be adjusted, but the straightening hook can slip out of the handle due to lack of locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle angle adjustmentVSAvoidhook retention in handle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position. The handle can be rotated to different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and locked at each position, providing both mobility for optimization and stability for secure retention through the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handle and the hook shaft. This locking mechanism engages with corresponding features on both components to prevent unintended detachment while allowing controlled rotation and adjustment to optimal angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire handle is completely removed and reattached to change handle position, then the angle can be changed, but this requires complete removal and reattachment of the entire handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle position changeabilityVSAvoidtime for handle reattachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is segmented into distinct components: the handle body, the locking mechanism, and the hook shaft with coupling piece. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be independently operated to change handle position without requiring removal of the entire handle assembly, significantly reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is pre-configured with locking elements that engage with corresponding features on the hook shaft. This preliminary arrangement of locking components enables quick position changes by simply actuating the locking mechanism rather than performing complete disassembly and reassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the coupling piece is designed with external teeth and push-pull locking mechanism, then secure engagement is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The push-pull locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple linear motion. The locking elements automatically engage or disengage based on the push-pull action, eliminating the need for complex actuation systems, multiple locking points, or sophisticated control mechanisms while maintaining high engagement security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism utilizes a simple parameter change - linear axial movement of the locking elements - to achieve the locking and unlocking functions. This single-degree-of-freedom motion is much simpler than rotational, multi-stage, or cam-based locking systems, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring secure engagement through positive tooth-to-tooth meshing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3246129B1Changeable handle for flattening alignment hook
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SCHACHINGER ULRICH
  • EP3246129B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3246129B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3246129B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~3d

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dent straightening hook interchangeable handle 6 with a handle 7 and a handle coupling 5, a cylindrical coupling piece 4, and a dent straightening hook 1 with a coupling piece for insertion into such an interchangeable handle, as well as a straightening hook 1 with such a coupling piece, particularly for use in paintless dent repair of body deformations. The handle coupling has a shaft receptacle for the coupling piece that can be connected to or is connected to a dent straightening hook shaft, as well as a locking device 10 for the releasable retention of the coupling piece and a locking device 14 for its releasable mounting in an internal toothing in the handle coupling. The coupling piece is designed with a section that can be inserted into the handle coupling and which has a recess 9 for receiving the locking means 10 arranged in the handle coupling 5.