All-Metal Hand Tool Handle Assembly for Strength and Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools, such as putty knives and taping knives, have plastic or rubber handles that are uncomfortable, weak, and prone to breaking, and may not be suitable for sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
A strong, durable, all-metal hand tool made entirely of stainless steel, featuring a blade piece with an elongated tang that extends into a handle composed of two symmetrical handle halves, providing multiple points of strength and allowing for sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic or rubber handles are used in hand tools, then the tools are easier to manufacture and less expensive, but the handles become weak, prone to breaking, and unsuitable for sterile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metal blade piece with metal handle piece(s) to create a composite hand tool where both components are made of metal (stainless steel or other sterilizable metal). This composite construction eliminates the weakness of plastic/rubber handles while maintaining manufacturability, as the tool is built from modular components that can be assembled through welding or mechanical fastening.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic or rubber handles are used in hand tools, then the tools are less expensive to manufacture, but they become uncomfortable to hold and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses metal handle piece(s) that can be ergonomically shaped and textured to provide comfort during operation. The metal construction allows for precise shaping, contouring, and surface treatment to improve grip and reduce fatigue, while maintaining cost-effectiveness through efficient manufacturing processes like casting or machining.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic or rubber handles are used in hand tools, then the tools are easier to manufacture, but they allow contamination and microorganism growth in sterile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic/rubber to metal (stainless steel or other sterilizable metal), which fundamentally alters the surface properties to be non-porous, non-absorbent, and capable of withstanding sterilization processes. This parameter change eliminates the contamination issue while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard metalworking processes.
4Device complexity
If metal hand tools are made with one insufficient point of connection (rivets or small weld), then the structure is simpler, but the tools become weaker and prone to breaking from repeated force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handle into multiple handle piece(s) that are distributed along the length of the handle, with each piece providing a separate attachment point for the blade. This segmentation creates multiple reinforcement points rather than relying on a single weak connection, distributing the stress from repeated force applications across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the blade piece with a tang that protrudes into the handle piece(s), adding a dimensional element that creates overlapping structural support. This tang extension transforms a simple surface-level connection into a three-dimensional interlocking structure, significantly increasing the strength and resistance to breaking.
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 hand tool offers improved comfort, strength, and durability, along with the ability to be sterilized, making it suitable for demanding applications in construction and other industries.
Implementation Method 1
The handle is composed of two welded together, symmetrical, stainless steel handle half pieces
Implementation Method 2
the blade piece and the handle are welded to each other along each side of the handle curved distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A metal hand tool including a handle attached to a blade piece and method of construction. The blade piece includes a blade opposite an elongated tang. The handle is made up of two, welded, symmetrical handle halves, each handle half having an opening for receiving a hang hole piece and a notched distal end for forming a handle opening to receive the blade piece elongated tang. In an embodiment, the handle includes a curved distal end accommodating a curved welded connection between the blade piece and the handle. The hand tool further includes a hang hole piece configured for placement through the hang hole openings in the handle and for welded connection to the handle. In an embodiment, the elongated tang includes a hang hole opening through which the hang hole extends. Some embodiments further include one or more tang guide pieces welded to the interior of the handle.