Lanyard Attachment Assembly for Hand Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lanyard attachment methods for hand tools are inadequate for two-ended tools, as they render one end useless, and designs using heat shrink tubing are unreliable, leading to safety concerns and increased operating costs due to dropped tools and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A lanyard attachment assembly featuring a sleeve, a strap forming a closed loop, and a connector, where the strap passes through the sleeve and connector, secured with fastening means, providing a reliable and safe attachment solution for tools with functional features on both ends, using heat shrink tubing and various materials like nylon webbing and metal D-rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring is attached to the end of a tool handle using a rubber sleeve or by passing through an opening, then tool drop prevention is achieved, but the tool's functional end is rendered useless
Solution Approach 1:
The lanyard attachment system is divided into separate components: a sleeve that attaches to the tool, a connector, and a lanyard. This segmentation allows the attachment mechanism to be positioned away from the tool's functional ends, preserving tool versatility while maintaining drop prevention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component that provides an attachment point on the tool without interfering with the tool's functional features. By placing the sleeve on the tool body rather than at the functional ends, the system mediates between the need for secure attachment and the need to preserve tool functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If heat shrink tubing is used to secure a leader to a tool, then attachment is achieved, but the design proves unreliable as the leader may be pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with features that prevent the connector from being pulled out, such as an enlarged end portion or flared shape that creates a mechanical barrier. This beforehand cushioning prevents the reliability failure mode where the leader is inadvertently pulled out, while maintaining the simple attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is made of flexible material that can be easily stretched over the tool and then contracts to provide a secure fit. This flexible shell approach maintains ease of manufacture while improving reliability by creating a snug, secure attachment that resists accidental disconnection.
3Reliability
If a sleeve is formed over the grip of a tool, then a ring attachment point is provided, but the grip end becomes useless for its intended use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the lanyard at the end of the tool handle (one-dimensional approach), the sleeve is positioned on the body or grip surface of the tool (two-dimensional placement). This dimensional change allows the attachment point to be located on the tool body rather than blocking the functional end, preserving grip usability while maintaining lanyard attachment reliability.
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 enhances safety by preventing tool drops, increases productivity by reducing retrieval time, and lowers operating costs by ensuring a secure attachment that is more reliable than existing methods, especially for tools with dual functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The heat shrink tubing is subsequently heated, thereby shrinking the tubing to provide a snug fit over the leader and securing the leader to the tool
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A lanyard attachment assembly for a hand tool comprising a strap (150) forming a closed loop (152) having a first end portion (158), a second end portion (160), a first strap portion (154), and a second strap portion (156) generally aligned with and opposing the first strap portion. The first strap portion (154) and the second strap portion (156) each extend between the first end portion (158) and the second end portion (160). The first end portion (158) of the closed loop (152) includes a first turn (162) between the first strap portion (154) and the second strap portion (156), and the second end portion (160) includes a second turn (164) between the first strap portion (154) and the second strap portion (156). The lanyard attachment further comprises a fastening means (169), which secures the first strap portion (154) to the second strap portion (156) at a first strap connection point (168) that is positioned between the first turn (162) and the second turn (164). The fastening means (169) of the closed loop (152) forms a primary opening (172) and secondary opening (174) therethrough. The lanyard attachment further comprises a sleeve (130) with an inside surface and an outside surface. The inside surface defines a passageway (136) through the sleeve (130). A portion of the sleeve (130) passes through the primary opening (172), thereby linking the closed loop of the strap (150) to the sleeve (130).The lanyard attachment further comprises a connector (180) having a connector opening (186) therethrough, wherein a portion of the connector (180) passes through the secondary opening (174) of the closed loop (152), thereby linking the connector (180) to the closed loop of the strap (150).