Shovel With Reinforced Polymeric Shaft And Tool-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a long-standing need for an inexpensive shovel that can be easily assembled and disassembled by users without tools, specifically designed for debris removal that minimizes the need for lifting debris, which existing shovels fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shovel design featuring a handle, a support assembly with a flat mounting base and a connecting shaft, and a locking assembly with a resilient element, allowing for a removable connection between the handle and the support assembly, enabling easy assembly and disassembly, and a pair of storage hooks for stowing the handle, all made from lightweight polymeric materials with reinforced structures for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional shovels are made of expensive materials like aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber alloys, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shovel employs composite construction combining polymer materials with metal reinforcement elements. The handle and blade are primarily polymer-based, while steel reinforcement bars are embedded within the shaft and blade structures to provide necessary strength and durability, creating a cost-effective composite material solution that balances performance and manufacturing cost
2Strength
If shovels are designed with fixed, permanent blade attachments through welding or brazing, then structural strength is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shovel is divided into separable components including the handle, blade, and shaft that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The blade attaches to the shaft through a simple insertion mechanism into a recess, and the handle connects via a coupling mechanism with retention elements, allowing users to assemble and disassemble the shovel without tools while maintaining structural integrity during use
3Ease of operation
If shovels are designed with removable handle and blade components, then ease of assembly and storage is improved, but structural strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shovel features dynamic connection mechanisms that transition from a static fixed state during use to a removable state for assembly and storage. The handle and blade are connected through mechanisms with retention elements that provide secure attachment during operation but allow easy removal when needed, balancing structural reliability with ease of assembly through controlled dynamic behavior
4Productivity
If shovels are designed to push debris along surfaces, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but the need for lifting and maneuvering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shovel incorporates a telescoping shaft mechanism that allows the handle length to be adjusted, enabling the user to push debris along surfaces effectively while reducing the need for lifting and maneuvering by optimizing the working position and leverage through dimensional adjustment of the shaft length
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 shovel allows for efficient debris removal by pushing debris along a surface rather than lifting, with the lightweight and reinforced design providing durability and ease of use, while being cost-effective and tool-free assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A locking assembly is disposed at a hollow area of the first end of the pole/handle and includes a resilient element provided at first end of the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A shovel is provided having a handle, a support assembly and a blade. The support assembly comprises a substantially flat mounting base adapted for connection to the blade and having first and second ends and front and rear regions. A shaft positioned at first angle to the base. First and second arms symmetrically arranged with respect to the shaft. The first arm connects the first end of the base with a central region of the shaft, and the second connects the second end of the base with a central region of the shaft. The shaft is formed with a hollow channel with a reinforcing rod disposed within the channel.