Pivot-Adjustable Gripping Assembly for Ergonomic Portable Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable tools, particularly stick tools used in the landscape industry, face challenges in providing versatile and ergonomic designs that allow for comfortable and fatigue-reducing operation in various orientations, as they often require users to pivot and reposition the tool frequently.
Innovation Solution
A portable tool with an adjustable gripping assembly featuring a gripping component that can pivot relative to the frame, allowing the angular relationship between vertical planes to be maintained while moving forwardly or rearwardly, and incorporating a fastener system for securing the gripping component in different angular positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed C-shaped gripping assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user cannot adjust the gripping position and orientation, reducing versatility and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot mechanism that allows the C-shaped handle to rotate relative to the frame about a laterally extending axis. This enables the user to change the orientation and position of the gripping assembly during operation, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different user preferences and task requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping assembly is divided into separable components: the frame, the C-shaped handle, and the pivot connection mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates the adjustment functionality while maintaining relative simplicity of each individual part.
2Ease of operation
If the gripping assembly is made adjustable to improve ergonomics, then user comfort increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism provides a simple yet effective dynamic adjustment capability that allows the C-shaped handle to rotate about a laterally extending axis. This single-degree-of-freedom movement achieves the necessary ergonomic adjustment without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms, keeping manufacturing relatively straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable gripping assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a fixed C-shaped grip structure for basic operation, enables angular adjustment for ergonomic customization, and maintains structural integrity through the pivot connection. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple pivot mechanism rather than multiple separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the C-shaped handle is fixed in orientation, then the structure is stable and simple, but it cannot accommodate both right- and left-handed users effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism enables the C-shaped handle to rotate dynamically between different angular positions, allowing right-handed and left-handed users to orient the handle according to their preferences. The structure transitions from a fixed stable configuration to a dynamically adjustable one that maintains stability at each selected position through the pivot connection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the gripping assembly allows pivoting movement, then versatility and comfort improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pivot mechanism is implemented that allows the C-shaped handle to rotate about a laterally extending axis. This provides the necessary repositioning capability with minimal added complexity, as it requires only one rotational degree of freedom rather than multiple independent adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection is designed as a separate, modular component that connects the C-shaped handle to the frame. This segmentation isolates the pivoting functionality into a distinct element, making it easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain without complicating the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable tool having an upright starting orientation in which the portable tool has a top and bottom, a front and rear, and laterally spaced sides. The portable tool has an elongate frame and is configured to be held with the user engaging: a) a first back region of the portable tool with one of the user's hands; and b) a second region of the portable tool forward of the first back region with the user's other hand to thereby allow the user to elevate and reposition the portable tool. A drive operates a working unit on the frame. The first back region and second region are spaced along a front-to-rear first line. A gripping assembly at the second region of the portable tool has an elongate gripping length extending in a second line. A first vertical plane parallel to the first line is non-orthogonal to a second vertical plane parallel to the second line. The elongate gripping length can be moved selectively forwardly and rearwardly relative to the frame.