Retractable Spearing Pin Mechanism for Safe Trash Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trash spearing tools do not effectively address the physical strain and risk of injury associated with manual bending or stooping to collect trash, and there is a need for improved mechanisms to safely retract and strip trash from spearing pins without manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A trash spearing tool with a retractable spearing pin mechanism, comprising a trigger assembly, inner and outer tubes, and a biasing member, allowing the spearing pin to be extended or retracted for safe collection and stripping of trash, utilizing a link rod, spring retainer, and trigger lock for single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual picking up of trash is performed, then trash collection is achieved, but physical strain and risk of injury to knees, back, and joints increase
Solution Approach 1:
A long spearing pin acts as an intermediary tool, extending the user's reach to collect trash without direct hand contact or bending. The pin transfers the collection function from the user's body to a mechanical extension, eliminating the need for stooping or bending while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual bending and stooping mechanical actions are replaced by a telescoping spearing pin mechanism. The pin can be extended to reach distant trash and retracted to retrieve it, substituting the human body's mechanical limitation with a mechanical solution that eliminates physical strain.
2Productivity
If a fixed spearing pin is used, then trash can be collected, but the pin cannot be easily stripped or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The spearing pin is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the pin to be extended for collection and then retracted to a compact size, making it easy to strip trash from the tip and replace the pin if needed, while maintaining continuous collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spearing pin transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic telescoping structure. The pin can extend to various lengths during operation and retract when collection is complete, enabling easy stripping and replacement while maintaining productivity throughout the process.
3Length of moving object
If the spearing pin is always extended, then trash collection reach is maximized, but safety risk increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The spearing pin segments are nested within each other when not in use, forming a compact safe structure. When collection is needed, the segments telescope outward to provide maximum reach. This nesting mechanism ensures the pin is safe during storage and transport while maintaining full extendability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spearing pin dynamically changes its length based on operational needs. It extends to maximum length for trash collection to maximize reach, then retracts to a compact safe length when collection is complete or during transport, eliminating constant safety risk while maintaining when needed.
4Device complexity
If a simple pole with sharpened pin is used, then device complexity is minimized, but ability to safely retract and strip trash is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping nested tube structure provides a built-in mechanism for both extension and retraction. The nested design allows the pin to be extended for collection and then retracted into the tube housing, automatically stripping trash from the pin tip without requiring additional complex stripping mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving ease of operation.
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
Enables safe and efficient collection and stripping of trash without bending or stooping, reducing physical strain and risk of injury, while allowing for easy replacement of the spearing pin and secure storage of the tool.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member within the inner tube acting on the spring retainer and the spearing pin to normally bias the spearing pin to the extended position and to bias the trigger assembly to the normal position
Implementation Method 2
the biasing member is a compression spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A trash spearing tool and method are provided. The tool includes a spearing pin, a trigger assembly, an inner tube, and an outer tube. The trigger assembly is movable between a normal position and an activated position. The outer tube is slidable between a storage position and a use position. The spearing pin is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly in such manner that, when the outer tube is in the use position and the trigger assembly is in the normal position, the spearing pin is normally biased to an extended position in which a portion of the spearing pin extends from the outer tube and, when the outer tube is in the storage position and the trigger assembly is in either the normal position or use position, the spearing pin to in a retracted position in which the spearing pin does not extend from the outer tube.