Power Tool Lanyard Locking Strap for Securing Auxiliary Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tradespeople face challenges in preventing portable power tools from falling while in use, which can result in damage or injury, as existing lanyard designs fail to securely attach these tools to the user or structures, especially when auxiliary parts like batteries and dust extractors become detached during a drop.
Innovation Solution
A lanyard system comprising two belts with metal loops and friction buckles, secured with a lock strap using VELCRO fasteners, that wraps around the power tool and auxiliary parts, ensuring they remain connected and preventing relative movement or rotation, thus preventing the tool and its parts from falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lanyard is used to attach a portable power tool to the user or structure, then the tool is prevented from falling a significant distance, but the connector may become detached during a drop if auxiliary parts are not securely attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes a first part attached to the belt at a first location and a second part attached to the belt at a second location, which can simultaneously engage with the power tool and auxiliary parts. This merging of functions ensures that both the tool and auxiliary parts remain attached during a drop, resolving the reliability issue without requiring multiple separate attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional parts: a first part for attaching to the power tool, a second part for attaching to auxiliary parts, and a lock mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system. The modular structure enables the connector to securely hold both the tool and auxiliary parts separately, preventing detachment during drops.
2Device complexity
If a simple lanyard design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lanyard cannot prevent relative movement or rotation of the connector parts during a drop
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent relative movement and rotation between the first and second parts of the connector. When engaged, the lock secures the parts in a fixed relative position before a drop occurs, eliminating the need for complex rigid structures. This preliminary locking action maintains connector stability while keeping the overall lanyard design relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows easy release for immediate reuse, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of attachment during normal use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-securing during normal use but self-releasing when intentionally activated. The connector parts frictionally engage the belt ends and the lock prevents disengagement during tool operation, providing automatic security without requiring constant user attention. For release, the user simply pulls the free end of the belt, which automatically disengages the lock and allows quick removal of the tool and auxiliary parts. This self-service design maintains high reliability during use while enabling easy operation for release.
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 lanyard effectively prevents significant drops of power tools and their auxiliary parts, maintaining their functional connection and reducing the risk of damage or injury, allowing immediate reuse after a fall.
Implementation Method 1
the first part and the second part of the connector frictionally engage the at least one free end of the belt
Implementation Method 2
secured with a lock strap using VELCRO fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A lanyard for a power tool includes a belt; a connector having a first part connected to the belt at a first location along a length of the belt and a second part connected to the belt at a second location along the length of the belt, the first part being releasably attachable to the second part; and a lock configured to lock the first part to the second part.