Spring-Loaded Tool Handle for Upright Ground Propping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disengaging and re-engaging long-handled tools, such as the 'Drop It and Pick It Up' and 'Stop and Prop' techniques, result in tool damage, physical strain, difficulty in spotting the tool, and safety hazards due to horizontal placement, while the 'Stop and Prop' technique lacks sufficient friction and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A handle with a spike embedded in the elongate handle body, equipped with a compression spring and protective sleeve, allows the tool to be propped vertically into the ground, using the spike to secure the tool in place with the spring mechanism for easy retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool is laid horizontally on a nearby surface for disengagement, then the worker can easily access the tool, but the tool may be damaged or cause damage to other property
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of laying the tool horizontally on a surface (conventional method), the invention inverts the approach by enabling the tool to stand vertically on its spike. This inversion fundamentally changes the tool's orientation from horizontal to vertical, eliminating the harmful effects of dropping or throwing the tool while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool's own spike and handle structure are utilized to support itself in an upright position without requiring external surfaces or structures. The tool serves its own propping needs through the spring-loaded spike mechanism, eliminating dependency on external propjects and preventing damage to other property.
2Productivity
If the tool is picked up from ground level for re-engagement, then the worker can resume work, but physical strain and exhaustion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the tool at ground level in a vertical orientation, creating an equipotential state where the tool is accessible without requiring the worker to bend or lift from a lower position. The vertical placement on the spike brings the tool handle to a comfortable height, eliminating the need for waist bending and reducing physical strain during re-engagement.
3Ease of operation
If the tool is placed horizontally on the ground for disengagement, then the tool is easily accessible, but the tool becomes difficult to spot and may be overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
While not directly changing color, the invention creates a visual contrast by positioning the tool vertically with its handle extending upward above ground level. This vertical orientation makes the tool visually distinct from the horizontal ground surface and surrounding debris, significantly improving detectability and reducing the likelihood of being overlooked during site cleanup.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the tool is propped against another object for disengagement, then the tool remains visible and accessible, but the technique lacks sufficient friction and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the propping function from external objects and integrates it directly into the tool itself. The spike and spring mechanism are built into the tool's handle, eliminating the need for external propjects entirely. This self-contained approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining visibility and accessibility benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool's handle serves multiple functions: it provides grip for the worker, supports the vertical orientation through the spike mechanism, and acts as the propping structure itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate propping objects or complex external mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired visibility and accessibility.
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 handle maintains the tool in an upright position, reducing physical strain, preventing damage, and enhancing visibility, thus improving efficiency and safety by eliminating the need for horizontal placement and unnecessary walking or bending.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring is disposed about the exposed axial portion of the spike
Data Source
AI summary
A handle permits propping of an implement in a substantially vertical orientation within a ground surface includes an elongate handle body and a spike embedded in a gripping end of the elongate handle body, the spike having an exposed axial portion. A compression spring is disposed about the exposed axial portion of the spike and a hollow sleeve is fitted over the compression spring and gripping end. An opening in an upper end of the sleeve permits passage of the exposed portion of the spike. A pin member transversely disposed within the gripping end of the handle body has ends extending into longitudinal slots of the hollow sleeve such that the handle body is movable axially between first and second positions to enable the exposed axial portion of the spike to be advanced through the opening of the hollow sleeve for advancement into the ground surface.