Spring-Gated Bucket Hook for Secure Tool Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility workers require a secure means to suspend tools and equipment from utility truck buckets while performing maintenance or repairs on electrical transmission or distribution equipment.
Innovation Solution
A bucket hook with a first leg featuring a hook and a movable gate, spring biasing means to keep the gate closed, a second leg, and a crossbar interconnecting the legs, allowing for secure suspension of tools and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple open hook is used to suspend tools, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of accidental drops
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically transition between open and closed positions. The spring biasing means provides continuous dynamic force to keep the gate closed during operation, while allowing intentional opening when needed. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation (intentional opening) and reliability (automatic closing and latching).
2Reliability
If a gate with spring biasing is added to secure tools, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook device is segmented into distinct functional components: the main hook body, the gate, the spring biasing means, and the latching mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall security system. The modular structure manages complexity by making each component simple and well-defined.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring biasing means automatically keeps the gate closed without requiring active control or additional energy input. The latching mechanism engages automatically when the gate closes, providing self-securing functionality. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing the need for complex control systems or additional actuators.
3Reliability
If the gate is kept closed by spring biasing, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring force to open
Solution Approach 1:
The spring biasing means performs preliminary action by continuously exerting force to keep the gate closed before any tool suspension or retrieval operation. This preliminary securing action ensures reliability is maintained throughout operation. When opening is needed, the user simply overcomes the spring force temporarily, and the gate automatically returns to its secured closed position after use.
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 bucket hook provides a secure and stable means to suspend tools and equipment, preventing accidental drops and ensuring worker safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
spring biasing means resiliently urging the gate towards the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A bucket hook for supporting tools from a utility bucket includes: a first leg, including: a first hook; a gate mounted to the first leg and movable between a first position in which it contacts the first hook, and a second position in which it is pivoted away from the first hook; and spring biasing means resiliently urging the gate towards the closed position; a second leg spaced from the first leg; and a crossbar interconnecting the first leg and the second leg.