Rotatable Gardening Handle Latch Mechanism for Angle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotatable gardening tool handles require users to apply torque to change the handle's angular position, which can lead to unintended rotation during use, compromising ergonomics and usability.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable handle apparatus with a latch mechanism that operates independently of the handle's torque, allowing users to set and maintain desired angular positions without accidental rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rotatable handle mechanism is implemented to improve ergonomics, then user comfort and productivity are improved, but the handle may rotate unintentionally during use due to applied torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic usabilityVSAvoidhandle angle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A latch mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the handle and the rotation mechanism. The latch includes a latch arm that engages with a latch pin, creating a stable connection that prevents unintended rotation while allowing intentional rotation when the user deliberately actuates the latch. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by filtering out unwanted torque-induced rotation while preserving ergonomic adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism provides dynamic control over the handle's rotational capability. In the locked position, the latch arm engages the latch pin to prevent rotation, ensuring stability during use. When the user needs to adjust the handle angle, they can deliberately disengage the latch to allow rotation, then re-engage it to lock the new position. This dynamic on/off control resolves the contradiction between stability and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a latch mechanism is added to prevent unwanted rotation, then handle angle stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle angle stabilityVSAvoidlatch mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a latch arm, a latch pin, and an actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design. The latch arm provides the locking action, the latch pin provides the engagement point, and the actuation mechanism allows user control. This modular segmentation reduces complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through user interaction with the handle. When the user applies force to rotate the handle, the latch automatically engages or disengages based on the rotational direction and magnitude, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the device by using the handle's own motion to control the latch, reducing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12240095B1Apparatus for an ergonomic rotatable gardening tool handle
Publication Date: 2025.03.04 CHOU HANK HUNG KUNG
  • US12240095B1 patent drawing
  • US12240095B1 patent drawing
  • US12240095B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A garden tool apparatus comprises a rod, a tool head, and a rotatable handle apparatus. The rotatable handle apparatus comprises a hand gripping apparatus that in turn comprises a lower cylindrical body that comprises threads and a hole on a side thereof. The rotatable handle apparatus further comprise a rotatable apparatus that comprises a closed cylindrical body that in turn comprises a plurality of cavities radially disposed on an outer wall thereof. The closed cylindrical body is connected to the rod. The rotatable apparatus is connected to the hollow portion. The hollow portion is freely rotatable against the rotatable apparatus. The rotatable handle apparatus further comprises a cylindrical sleeve enclosing the rotatable apparatus and is connected to both the rotatable apparatus and the hollow portion. The rotatable handle apparatus further comprises a latch apparatus that comprises an impediment pin that is disposed through the hole of the lower cylindrical body and engages with the plurality of cavities of the rotatable apparatus.