Modular Tool Apparatus With D-Shaped Pivot Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional modular tools often experience stuck or broken pivoting mechanisms due to improper maintenance, and tools cannot be removed from the handle structure, limiting their usability, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular tool apparatus featuring a D-shaped pivot pin with matching voids in utility tools, a lever for rotating the pivot pin, and a leaf-spring locking mechanism for secure attachment and detachment, allowing tools to be rotated over 180 degrees and removed from the handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tools are stored within a handle structure using a pivoting mechanism, then versatility and functionality are improved, but the mechanism can get stuck or break down due to improper maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tool from the handle structure by enabling complete removal through the pivoting mechanism. The tool can be fully detached from the handle by rotating it past 180 degrees, separating the tool body from the handle structure. This extraction capability prevents the tool from being trapped or stuck within the handle, thereby improving reliability while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are positioned near each other in the handle structure, then versatility is improved, but tools can get stuck inside or outside the handle structure making retrieval difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pivoting mechanism that allows tools to rotate through more than 180 degrees. This dynamic range of motion enables tools to be freely retrieved from the handle structure by rotating them outward, and easily stored by rotating them back inward. The dynamic movement prevents tools from getting stuck in intermediate positions between stored and deployed states.
3Ease of operation
If tools are fixed to the handle structure for easy utilization, then ease of operation is improved, but tools cannot be removed to work alone in hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool-handle system into separable components that can function independently. The tool body is designed as a separate unit that can be attached to or removed from the handle structure through the pivoting mechanism. This segmentation allows the tool to work independently in hard-to-reach areas when detached, while still providing the option to work with the handle structure when needed, thereby improving adaptability without sacrificing ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular tool apparatus includes at least one handle, at least one utility tool, at least one attachment channel, at least one pivot pin, and at least one lever. The pivot pin includes a D-shaped cross section and rotatably connected to the handle thus enabling the foldable connection between the handle and the utility tool. The lever is terminally connected to the pivot pin and allows the pivot pin to be configured in between a locked position and an unlocked position. The attachment channel laterally traverses into the utility tool as the attachment channel is rotatably engaged around the pivot pin. The utility tool is foldably attached to the handle through the attachment channel and the pivot pin, wherein the D-shaped cross section of the pivot pin and a matching profile of the attachment channel allow the utility tool to be installed or removed from the pivot pin.