Modular Garden Tool Coupling for Adjustable Toolhead Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden tools are unitary in nature, lacking customization to fit individual gardening styles, and do not allow for interchangeable toolheads that can adapt to different functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A garden implement with a handle divided into segments and interchangeable toolheads, featuring a durable sprocket-like coupling structure that allows adjustable angles and interchangeable toolheads, such as a spade and hoe, to enhance usability and mechanical advantage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If garden tools are made unitary and fixed in orientation, then manufacturing is simplified and mass production is efficient, but customization and adaptability to different gardening styles are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The garden tool is divided into separate modular components: interchangeable toolheads and handle segments. Each toolhead can be detached and replaced, allowing customization while maintaining simple mass production of individual standardized parts. The handle is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal coupling mechanism is provided that accepts multiple different toolhead types (spade, hoe, cultivator, etc.) on a single handle platform. This allows one handle design to serve multiple functions through interchangeable attachments, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If the toolhead orientation is fixed relative to the handle, then the structure is simplified, but the ability to adjust to different gardening tasks and ergonomics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between toolheads and handles is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Users can change the orientation and angle of toolheads relative to the handle based on specific gardening tasks and personal ergonomics preferences, while the mechanism remains relatively simple to implement.
3Device complexity
If only single-function toolheads are used, then the tool design is straightforward, but the versatility to perform multiple gardening functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal handle with standardized coupling mechanisms that can accommodate multiple different toolhead types. Each toolhead is designed for a specific function (spading, hoeing, cultivating), but all attach to the same handle interface, enabling one tool to perform multiple gardening functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into interchangeable components where the handle and toolheads are separate. This allows the handle to remain simple while the toolheads provide specialized functions. Users can swap toolheads based on the gardening task at hand.
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 garden implement provides customizable tool configurations, allowing users to switch between tool functionalities easily, enhancing usability and mechanical advantage through adjustable angles and interchangeable toolheads.
Implementation Method 1
at least one toolhead (102) including a tool member (103) and a pair of flanges (519a, 519b) coupled to and extending from the tool member (103), each flange (519a, 519b) including a flange bore (521, 523) defined by an internal sidewall (522, 524) and a pinion segment (516a, 516b) having a common first center (642) with the flange bore (521, 523)... each respective first boss surface (510a, 510b) having a curved rack segment (518a) projecting perpendicularly therefrom and configured to mesh with at least a portion of the pinion segment (516a, 516b)
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a garden implement that includes a handle, at least one tool member having a pair of flanges extending therefrom, each flange includes a flange bore and a pinion segment that share a common center, the pair of flanges have opposing parallel surfaces that each include the pinion segment, the opposing parallel flange surfaces are spaced apart by a first distance. Also included is at least a first fixing member coupled between the pair of flanges and the handle. The first fixing member includes a boss projecting along a longitudinal axis, the boss has parallel surfaces spaced apart by the first distance, a boss bore, and a curved rack segment projecting from the boss and configured to mesh with at least a portion of the pinion segment. Also included is a fixing shaft insertably received in at least one flange bore and the boss bore.