Multi-Function Tool Non-Linear Tracks and Wedge Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-function tools with slidably attached implements suffer from audible and tactile rattling due to manufacturing tolerances, difficulty in smooth deployment, and awkward screw driving due to off-center drivers, as well as handle designs that compromise between compact storage and easy deployment.
Innovation Solution
The multi-function tool features non-linear tracks with a jaw assembly that slides between stowed and deployed positions, pivotally coupled handles with wedges to ensure tight closure, and a driver that pivots to an on-center position for improved usability, along with handles of different shapes for compact storage and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the slots are made larger to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, then the implement can be assembled, but gaps are created causing audible and tactile rattling
Solution Approach 1:
A damping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the implement and the handle slots. This damping element fills the gaps created by manufacturing tolerances while providing vibration damping, thus eliminating rattling noise without requiring tighter manufacturing tolerances or larger slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is made from vibration damping material, which is a composite material designed to absorb vibrations and reduce rattling. This material property allows the slot to accommodate manufacturing variations while maintaining quiet operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tight up-down tolerances are maintained between the implement and handles, then the implement can be held closed throughout deployment, but the deployment becomes difficult and high friction
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is designed with different tolerance characteristics in different directions: tight up-down tolerances to maintain implement closure stability, and more generous side-to-side tolerances to reduce friction during deployment. This local differentiation of tolerance quality resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the driver is positioned off-center relative to the handles, then the driver can swing out 180 degrees from stowed to deployed position, but screw driving becomes awkward requiring continual grip adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The driver is pre-positioned in an on-center location relative to the combined mass of both handles when deployed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the driver is centered before the user begins screw driving, eliminating the need for continual grip adjustment and improving operational comfort while maintaining the 180-degree range of motion capability.
4Volume of moving object
If U-channel shaped handles are used, then components are stored compactly, but two-handed action is required for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The handle design incorporates a W-channel shape that creates a dynamic deployment mechanism allowing one-handed operation. The W-channel geometry provides mechanical advantage and leverage points that enable a single hand to deploy components, transforming the static two-handed requirement into a dynamic one-handed operation while maintaining compact storage.
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
This design reduces rattling, facilitates smooth and low-friction deployment, enhances screw driving ease, and provides compact storage with one-handed access to tools, addressing the limitations of existing multi-function tools.
Implementation Method 1
each of the jaws include a tang having a wedge configured to interface with the inner surface of either the first or second handle to create an interference that pushes the jaws closed tight when the jaw assembly is slid from a stowed position to a deployed position
Implementation Method 2
The jaw assembly is slidably coupled to the non-linear tracks of the first and second handles. The jaw assembly is further configured to slide within the slots of the first and second handles between a stowed position within the handles and a deployed position extending from the handles
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A multifunction tool includes a first handle and a second handle where each of the first and second handles include a non-linear track forming a slot. The multifunction tool further includes a jaw assembly slidably coupled to the non-linear tracks of the first and second handles where the jaw assembly is configured to slide within the slots of the first and second handles between a stowed position within the handles and a deployed position extending from the handles.