Lifting Aid System for Long-Handled Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-handled implements, such as shovels and spades, often cause user fatigue and health issues due to awkward handles and the need for bending, which existing lifting aids fail to adequately address by being cumbersome and uncomfortable to use.
Innovation Solution
A lifting aid system with a mounting assembly and a pivotable fulcrum assembly that includes a fulcrum bar and skid shield, allowing for easier handling of long-handled implements by reducing the need for bending and providing additional leverage, featuring a handle mounting system with band clamps for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing lifting aids with large frame structures and wheels are used, then lifting capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting aid is divided into separate functional components: a mounting assembly that attaches to the implement, a fulcrum assembly with pivotable fulcrum bar, and a handle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and lighter while collectively providing the required lifting capability through their coordinated arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential lifting function from complex frame structures and wheels, retaining only the critical fulcrum mechanism needed for leverage. By removing unnecessary components like large wheels and heavy frames, the design achieves lifting capability with minimal structure.
2Force
If existing lifting aids with bulky components are used, then lifting capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to awkward components to grasp
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly features ergonomically designed gripping portions with appropriate local qualities for comfortable hand placement. The fulcrum bar is positioned to provide optimal leverage while maintaining a compact overall structure, ensuring that critical interaction points are optimized for user comfort without requiring bulky components.
3Force
If existing lifting aids compel users to bend over, then lifting capability is achieved, but health-related issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting aid extends the handle upward, allowing users to apply lifting force from a higher, more ergonomic position rather than bending over. By changing the dimensional arrangement of the fulcrum and handle components, the system enables force application in a posture that reduces strain on the back and joints while maintaining effective lifting capability.
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 lifting aid system reduces user fatigue and health risks by enabling more comfortable and efficient use of long-handled implements, allowing users to maintain a straighter posture and apply force more effectively while minimizing strain.
Implementation Method 1
a fulcrum assembly which is pivotable with respect to at least the mounting assembly. The fulcrum assembly includes a fulcrum bar having at least an upper end portion and a lower end portion disposed opposite the upper end portion. The fulcrum bar is pivotally attached to the mounting assembly
Implementation Method 2
at least one skid shield. The at least one skid shield is operably coupled to the fulcrum bar such that (i) at least a bottom portion of the at least one skid shield is disposed adjacent to a lowermost part of the lower end portion of the fulcrum bar and (ii) at least a lower part of the bottom portion of the at least one skid shield is capable of moving at least upwardly above the lowermost part of the lower end portion of the fulcrum bar
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting aid system for a long-handled implement may include a lifting aid. The lifting aid includes a mounting assembly configured to be attached to an elongated portion of a long-handled implement. The lifting aid further includes a fulcrum assembly including a fulcrum bar pivotally attached to the mounting assembly and at least one skid shield operably coupled to the fulcrum bar. The lifting aid system may further include a handle having at least one portion capable of being grasped by a user. The lifting aid system may further include a handle mounting assembly. The handle mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket having a first engagement portion configured to engage and be removably attached to the elongated portion of the long-handled implement and a second engagement portion configured to engage and be removably attached to the handle of the lifting aid system.