Power Tool Hook with Abutment-Guided Gate for One-Handed Carabiner Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hooks for rechargeable electric power tools require two-handed operation for engagement and disengagement from a carabiner, leading to decreased usability.
Innovation Solution
A hook design with a base portion attached to the housing, featuring an outer and inner abutment portion that allows one-handed operation by guiding the hook end portion through specific through-holes to engage and disengage from a carabiner, utilizing a gate member that can be bent inwardly to facilitate easy engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hook is used for engagement with a carabiner, then the connection is secure, but two-handed operation is required for disengagement which deteriorates usability
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is segmented into distinct functional portions: an outer abutment portion for engagement and an inner abutment portion for disengagement. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific operation, enabling one-handed disengagement by pressing the inner abutment portion while holding the tool with the other hand, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The gate member acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the user's pressing action and the hook end portion. When the gate member is pressed against the inner abutment portion, it bends inwardly to open the hook end portion, enabling disengagement. This intermediary mechanism transforms a simple pressing motion into an effective disengagement action, reducing operation complexity
2Ease of operation
If the hook structure is simplified for one-handed operation, then usability improves, but the structural integrity and engagement reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the hook are given different local qualities and functions: the outer abutment portion is designed for secure engagement with the carabiner, while the inner abutment portion is designed for easy one-handed operation. The engagement portion has specific geometric features (first and second through-holes) that ensure reliable connection, while the folded-back portion provides the necessary flexibility for the gate member to bend inwardly. This local differentiation maintains engagement reliability while enabling improved ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gate member is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to bend inwardly when pressed against the inner abutment portion. This dynamic flexibility enables the gate member to transition from a closed position (providing secure engagement) to an open position (enabling disengagement). The folded-back portion of the hook body also provides dynamic flexibility to accommodate this movement while maintaining overall structural integrity and engagement reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A hook for an electric power tool is engageable with a carabiner comprising a hook end portion, and a gate member capable of opening the hook end portion. The hook includes: a base portion attached to a housing of a rechargeable electric power tool; an engagement portion positioned outside the base portion and having a first through-hole; a folded-back portion connecting the base portion and the engagement portion and having a second through-hole; and an outer abutment portion formed between the first and second through-holes and configured to cause the gate member to be bent inwardly when the gate member is pressed against the outer abutment portion. The outer abutment portion is engaged with the carabiner by inserting the hook end portion into the first and second through-holes, while the gate member is pressed against the outer abutment portion to open the hook end portion.