Spring-Retracted Tool Lanyard for Clear Work Area Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools with removable pieces face challenges in managing and accessing multiple pieces efficiently, as existing tethering solutions are often of fixed length and can obstruct the work area, leading to unsafe conditions due to entanglement.
Innovation Solution
A retractable lanyard system with a two-ended strap and a retraction system, including springs, that securely connects and releases pieces from a tool, allowing for easy access and storage without interfering with the tool's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-length tether is used to connect the piece to the tool, then the piece remains securely attached to the tool, but the tether obstructs the work area and creates entanglement hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed-length tether with a retractable tether system that includes a spool and spring mechanism. The tether dynamically adjusts its length based on operational needs: it extends when the piece is being used and retracts when not in use, eliminating work area obstruction while maintaining secure attachment. The spring-loaded spool automatically winds and unwinds the tether as needed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple pieces are stored near the tool for quick access, then accessibility is improved, but tracking and managing multiple pieces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tool system into distinct functional modules: a piece storage area, a retractable tether system, and a piece receiver. Each piece is individually tethered to the tool through its own retractable cord, allowing multiple pieces to be managed separately rather than as a group. This segmentation enables the user to see exactly which pieces are attached and which are stored, eliminating tracking difficulties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tether is kept short to avoid obstruction, then work area clearance is improved, but the piece cannot be properly positioned or removed from the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by incorporating the retractable tether mechanism within the tool's housing structure. The spool and spring assembly are nested inside the tool body, with only the necessary portion of the tether extending outward to connect the piece to the tool. This nested design provides sufficient tether length for piece manipulation while keeping the retraction mechanism compact and non-obtrusive.
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 lanyard system provides a low-profile, safe, and efficient means to store and manage pieces, ensuring they remain tethered to the tool even when in use, reducing the risk of entanglement and obstruction, and allows for easy retrieval and storage with minimal user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The retraction system includes at least one spring (coil or helical) to cause the lanyard system to remain under tension while the piece is mounted in a piece receiver
Implementation Method 2
The retraction system has sufficient tensional force to cause the retraction of a piece to the storage region once released from a piece receiver or work region of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a novel lanyard system for a piece releaseably connected to a tool by a piece receiver that includes a lanyard assembly with a two ended strap and a retraction system fixed to the tool in a storage region of the tool. In particular, one end of the strap is connected to the piece and the other strap end is connected to one end of the retraction system. The other end of the retraction system is connected to the tool. The strap is of sufficient length for the retraction system to retract a piece to the storage region after disconnection from the piece receiver. It is contemplated that the retraction system includes at least one spring (coil or helical) to cause the lanyard system to remain under tension while the piece is mounted in a piece receiver, thereby preventing or at least reducing the strap from interfering with the task at hand, the piece, the piece receiver or tool itself. The retraction system has sufficient tensional force to cause the retraction of a piece to the storage region once released from the work region of the tool.