Segmented Ergonomic Handle for Hand-Held Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users experience hand fatigue and discomfort during prolonged operation of hand-held power tools with existing ergonomic handles, leading to reduced working precision.
Innovation Solution
The ergonomic handle is designed with specific oval cross-section areas for each finger, with the first major axis longer than the second and third, and the first minor axis shorter than the second and third, allowing for improved adaptation to the user's hand anatomy, enabling a 'middle grip' or 'longitudinal handle' configuration that reduces fatigue and enhances comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle has uniform oval cross-section for all fingers, then the structure is simple, but the user's hand experiences fatigue during prolonged operation
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple regions (first region for thumb and index finger, second region for middle finger, third region for ring finger, fourth region for little finger), with each region having different cross-sectional dimensions adapted to the specific anatomy of each finger. This local differentiation of geometric properties allows each finger to be accommodated optimally, preventing fatigue during prolonged operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle cross-section is segmented into distinct regions corresponding to different fingers, with each region having independently optimized dimensions. The first region has larger dimensions to accommodate the thumb and index finger, while subsequent regions have progressively smaller dimensions matching the decreasing size of each finger, creating a segmented adaptation to hand anatomy.
2Ease of operation
If the handle cross-section is optimized for each finger individually, then comfort is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle geometry is defined by varying key parameters (cross-sectional dimensions) along its length to match finger anatomy. The first region has larger cross-sectional dimensions than subsequent regions, with each region's dimensions progressively reduced to match the decreasing size of each finger. This systematic parameter variation achieves anatomical optimization while maintaining manufacturability through clear geometric definitions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The tool (100) has a first region (154) is provided with a first approximately oval cross-section (162) with a first major axis and a first minor axis. A second region (156) is provided with a second approximately oval cross-section (164) with a second major axis and a second minor axis. A third region (158) is provided with a third approximately oval cross-section (166) with a third major axis and a third minor axis. The first major axis and the third major axis are longer than the second major axis. A first minor axis is shorter than the second and third minor axes. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a tool housing for a hand-held power tool (2) an ergonomic handgrip.