Segmented Drain Cleaner Handle for Stronger Cable Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld drain cleaners lack the ability to apply sufficient pushing or pulling force to the flexible cable, making it difficult to effectively clear blockages in drains.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held drain cleaner design with a body comprising two sections, allowing a user to apply force using both hands at spaced-apart locations, featuring a collet mechanism that rotates with a drill-powered shaft for enhanced torque and flexibility, enabling effective cable manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible cable is used in conventional handheld drain augers, then the tool can pass through common sink traps and is readily available, but the user cannot apply strong pushing or pulling force to the cable to clear blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into multiple segments (first handle segment, second handle segment, third handle segment) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the user to apply force at multiple locations along the handle, enabling strong pushing and pulling forces to be transmitted to the flexible cable while maintaining ease of operation through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a longitudinal dimension to force application by creating multiple handle segments arranged along the length of the handle assembly. This allows force to be applied not just at a single point but at multiple positions along the handle, increasing the total force that can be transmitted to the cable while keeping the tool easy to operate.
2Power
If a drill is used to rotate the flexible cable directly, then rotation can be provided, but the user pushing the drill in an axial direction cannot generate enough force to provide strong pushing or pulling force to the flexible cable
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently positioned and forced. This segmentation allows the user to apply axial force at multiple locations along the handle, accumulating total force that exceeds what can be applied by a single-point drill operation while maintaining rotational capability through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle segments are designed to move relative to each other dynamically, allowing the user to apply force adaptively at different positions along the handle during operation. This dynamic capability enables the user to maximize force application in the axial direction while maintaining the ability to rotate the cable through the segmented mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the upper part is fixed relative to the lower part in the handle assembly, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the user cannot effectively push or pull at spaced-apart locations to generate strong force
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into multiple segments (first, second, and third handle segments) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation increases device complexity slightly but enables the user to apply force at spaced-apart locations, generating strong total force while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces relative movement in the longitudinal dimension between handle segments, allowing force application at multiple positions along the handle's length. This adds a dimensional aspect to force application that enables strong pushing and pulling forces while accepting increased structural complexity.
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 design allows for stronger pushing and pulling forces, facilitating efficient clearing of drain blockages with improved torque transmission and ease of maneuverability, enhancing cleaning effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the upper part is configured to move relative to the lower part based on a movement of the upper handle with respect to the lower handle when the upper and lower handles are squeezed together by a user
Implementation Method 2
a collet rotatably disposed in an interior of the first section, and configured to grab a shaft that penetrates through the first section
Implementation Method 3
a second rotating member rotatably disposed in an interior of the second section, and communicating with the first rotating member
Data Source
AI summary
Discussed is a drain cleaner including a body having a first section and a second section, wherein the first section includes a lower part connected to a lower handle and an upper part connected to an upper handle, and wherein the upper part is configured to move relative to the lower part based on a movement of the upper handle with respect to the lower handle when the upper and lower handles are squeezed together by a user.