Counterweighted Rotating Tool Holder for Boom Arm Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tool holders on boom mechanisms are fixedly attached, positioning tools out of reach during arm rotation, causing inconvenience and safety hazards due to the need for manual tool repositioning and increased risk of accidents.

Innovation Solution

A rotating tool holder apparatus with a cylindrical base and shell, featuring a counterweight, that automatically adjusts the tool's position as the boom flips, ensuring the tool remains accessible and safe for the operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed tool holder is attached to the boom arm, then the tool can be securely held in one position, but the tool becomes inaccessible and dangerous when the boom arm rotates or flips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool securityVSAvoidtool accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is made rotatable relative to the boom arm, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The holder can rotate 360 degrees around the boom arm axis, enabling the operator to access the tool regardless of the boom arm's orientation, while maintaining secure attachment through the rotatable connection mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A counterweight mechanism is incorporated into the tool holder assembly to balance the tool's weight. This allows the holder to remain stable and controllable during rotation, preventing the tool from swinging uncontrollably or becoming inaccessible due to gravitational effects when the boom arm is in various positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the operator removes the tool from the fixed holder before flipping the boom, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency decreases due to repeated tool handling

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable tool holder allows the tool to remain securely attached during boom arm rotation and flipping operations. The holder's ability to rotate independently ensures the tool stays accessible and properly positioned regardless of boom orientation, eliminating the need for manual removal and reattachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool holder system automatically adapts its orientation to maintain optimal tool position relative to the operator and work area. The rotatable connection self-adjusts during boom movements, providing continuous tool accessibility without requiring operator intervention for repositioning or reattachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the operator holds the tool with one hand during boom maneuvers, then tool control is maintained, but the operator's ability to perform two-handed tasks is limited and safety is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool controlVSAvoidtask performance capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable tool holder maintains positive engagement with the tool during all boom arm movements, providing secure control without requiring the operator's manual holding. The dynamic rotation capability ensures the tool remains in an accessible and controlled position regardless of boom orientation, freeing both of the operator's hands for task performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 rotating tool holder reduces manual adjustments, minimizes accidents, and enhances operator safety by maintaining the tool in an optimal position during boom maneuvers.

Implementation Method 1

a counterweight mounted to the cylindrical shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCounterweight: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20260034659A1Rotating tool holder
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 PUFFER STANLEY
  • US20260034659A1 patent drawing
  • US20260034659A1 patent drawing
  • US20260034659A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention generally comprises a rotating tool holder apparatus for removably attaching a tool to a boom arm. The rotating tool holder apparatus includes a cylindrical base fixedly attached to the boom arm and a cylindrical outer shell rotatably connected around the cylindrical base. The invention also includes a tool holder bracket for removably attaching a tool to the cylindrical outer shell and a counterweight mounted to the cylindrical outer shell.