Multi-position Utility Hook Assembly for Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hook assemblies for power tools are limited by their fixed positions, obstructive design, and inability to accommodate varying tool shapes and user preferences, leading to reduced visibility and inconvenient handling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position hook assembly that mounts directly to the tool housing, featuring a hook with adjustable legs and a locking mechanism allowing lateral movement and secure attachment to various locations, including belts and structures, accommodating left and right-handed users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hook is mounted on the tool handle, then the tool can be hung for hands-free operation, but the hook obstructs the user's field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is positioned at the rear end of the tool housing, utilizing the rear dimension of the tool rather than the handle area. This spatial repositioning allows the hook to be located away from the user's line of sight while still providing hands-free operation capability, effectively resolving the vision obstruction problem.
2Device complexity
If a conventional hook has a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying tool shapes and user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the hook to be repositioned along the rear end of the tool housing between multiple predetermined positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the hook to adapt to different tool shapes and user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear end of the tool housing is divided into multiple predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis, with each position offering a distinct hook orientation (e.g., extending laterally or extending rearward). This segmentation allows selective positioning of the hook to match varying tool shapes and user needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional hook is positioned near the handle, then mounting is straightforward, but it decreases visibility for the user
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the hook near the handle (front dimension), the hook assembly is positioned at the rear end of the tool housing, utilizing the rear dimension of the tool. This spatial repositioning maintains manufacturing straightforwardness while eliminating the vision obstruction problem associated with handle-mounted hooks.
4Device complexity
If a hook assembly has only two positions (in use and stowed), then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot accommodate situations like belt placement
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly provides more than two positions by allowing the hook to slide between multiple predetermined positions along the rear end of the tool housing. This includes positions for hanging the tool, positions for belt placement, and intermediate positions, all while maintaining a relatively simple sliding mechanism with a single degree of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear end of the tool housing is segmented into multiple discrete predetermined positions, each offering different hook orientations and locations. This segmentation enables the hook to be positioned optimally for various situations such as hanging on structures, placement on belts, or storage, beyond just two fixed positions.
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
Enables hands-free operation of power tools with improved visibility and convenience by allowing secure attachment to different locations without obstructing the user's field of vision, accommodating various tool shapes and user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member for biasing the lock button to the non-depressed position
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-position hook assembly for use in a tool that includes a hook having a first leg and a second leg joined by a top span member, and a mounting member configured for slidably receiving the top span member and releasably locking the hook in a plurality of positions.