Spring-Loaded Retractor with Dynamic Gate for Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free devices for tools lack the ability to quickly and efficiently manage the hanging and retrieval of hand-operated tools attached to garments, as they often require manual adjustment and are not easily accessible when needed.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded retracting device with a rotatable reel, a cable, and an adjustable metallic ball retaining member, which allows for quick uncoiling and coiling of the cable, and includes a source of light for improved visibility, enabling hands-free hanging and easy access to tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detented position of a hanging cable or sling is used, then the tool can be held in position, but the position cannot be changed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic gate mechanism that can quickly transition between locked and unlocked positions. The gate is designed to be held in a closed (locked) position by a retaining member but can be quickly opened to allow the cable to uncoil and the tool position to change. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction by providing both stable positioning when closed and quick position changes when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cable and the tool. It controls the interaction between these two elements, allowing the cable to be held in position when the gate is closed and enabling quick position changes when the gate is opened. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by mediating between the need for stability and the need for quick repositioning.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment of tool hanging position is used, then the tool can be secured, but it requires manual handling and is not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded reel mechanism that automatically winds and secures the cable without requiring manual adjustment. The spring provides the force to wind the cable onto the reel, and the gate automatically locks the cable in position. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining reliable tool securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated spring-driven mechanical system. The spring-loaded reel automatically winds the cable, and the gate mechanism automatically locks it in position, substituting manual operation with an automated mechanical system that provides both reliability and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a spring-loaded retracting mechanism is used, then quick uncoiling and coiling is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring-loaded reel mechanism with the gate locking mechanism into a single integrated device. The spring provides the retraction force while the gate provides the locking function, and both work together in a unified structure. This merging of functions reduces the overall device complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks the cable in position, controls the uncoiling process, and can be quickly opened for repositioning. The spring-loaded reel also serves dual purposes of both extending and retracting the cable. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
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 device allows for quick and convenient hanging and retrieval of hand-operated tools, reducing the need for manual handling and improving accessibility by using a spring-loaded mechanism and adjustable retaining member, while the light source enhances usability.
Implementation Method 1
a drum retractor having a rotatable reel loaded by a spring
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded retracting device with a rotatable reel
Data Source
AI summary
A device for hands-free hanging a hand-operated tool is attachable to a garment. The aforesaid device comprises: (a) a drum retractor having a rotatable reel loaded by a spring; (b) a cable having a first terminal secured to said reel and a second terminal connectable to said hand-operated tool; said cable is at least partially coiled on the rotatable reel. The cable is provided an arresting arrangement comprising a retaining member secured to the cable in cooperation with a quickly openable gate having an open position and a closed position such that the cable carrying the retaining member is uncoilable from the reel in the open position and blocked from uncoiling in the closed position.