Pivoting Screwdriver Handle With Integrated Positioning Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional screwdriver handles require additional time-consuming and costly manufacturing steps, and are prone to user inconvenience and injury due to unintended pivotal movement between handle parts during use.

Innovation Solution

A screwdriver handle design featuring a first and second handle part with pivotal coupling portions, elastic elements, and a control member that allows switching between in-line and angled states without the need for multiple holes, reducing manufacturing complexity and preventing accidental pivotal movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional screwdriver handle design with multiple through-holes and plugs is used, then the handle parts can be pivotally connected, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pivotal connection function and positioning function into a single integrated coupling structure. The second handle part includes a coupling portion with a recess that receives the protrusion of the first handle part, eliminating the need for separate through-holes and plugs while maintaining pivotal connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pivotal connection between handle parts, maintains structural integrity, and enables positioning through the recess-protrusion interface. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a plug is provided to seal the through-hole in the conventional design, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the plug is apt to fall out during operation causing dust accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddust accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the separate plug component entirely and integrates its sealing function into the coupling structure itself. The recess in the coupling portion provides the sealing function that was previously achieved by a separate plug, eliminating the risk of plugs falling out.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the push button is mounted in the conventional design, then the positioning function is provided, but the push button is liable to be inadvertently pressed during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning functionVSAvoidunintended pivotal movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the push button on the first handle part (where it could be accidentally pressed), the patent inverts the design by placing the positioning member and control member on the second handle part. This inversion moves the control mechanism away from the user's hand during operation, preventing accidental activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the second handle part is made pivotable between first and second positions, then the screwdriver handle can switch between in-line and angled states, but additional manufacturing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition switchingVSAvoidmanufacturing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic coupling structure where the second handle part can pivot relative to the first handle part between two stable positions (in-line and angled). The coupling portion with its recess-protrusion interface enables this dynamic repositioning while maintaining structural integrity in both positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design enhances user safety, reduces manufacturing costs, and provides a more efficient and ergonomic handling experience by allowing smooth switching between in-line and angled states with improved torque-bearing capacity and dust prevention.

Implementation Method 1

Two elastic elements are respectively mounted in the receptacles for respectively biasing the positioning members outward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A control member is mounted in the positioning hole and movable to urge the positioning member in the receptacle aligned with the positioning hole into the receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7328635B2Screwdriver handle

Publication Date: 2008.02.12 HU BOBBY

AI summary

A screwdriver handle includes a first handle part and a second handle part. A first pivotal coupling portion is formed on an end face of the first handle part and includes two receptacles each receiving a positioning member. The second handle part includes an end face with a second pivotal coupling portion pivotally engaged with the first pivotal coupling portion. A positioning hole extends from a wall of the second pivotal coupling portion. One of the positioning members is biased into a retaining section of the positioning hole to position the second handle part. A control member is mounted in the positioning hole and movable to urge the positioning member in the receptacle aligned with the positioning hole into the receptacle, allowing the screwdriver handle to be switchable between an in-line state and an angled-state.