Spring Action Shovel With Telescopic Shock-Absorbing Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shovels do not adequately address the issue of minimizing injuries caused by repetitive or impactful motions, particularly in the hands, arms, and shoulders, during material handling.
Innovation Solution
A spring action shovel with a shock absorbing mechanism and a stiffness adjustment, featuring a telescopic two-part handle and a helical compression spring to absorb shock impulses and allow users to adjust the compressive stiffness for varying levels of shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid handle is used, then structural strength is improved, but shock absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into an outer shaft and an inner shaft that can move independently. The inner shaft is surrounded by a compression spring, creating segmented sections that can compress and expand to absorb shock while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A compression spring is pre-installed within the telescopic handle structure to provide shock absorption capability before impact occurs. The spring is positioned to compress during impact events, cushioning the shock before it reaches the user's hands and arms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic two-part handle is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shaft is nested within the outer shaft, with the compression spring surrounding the inner shaft. This nested configuration allows the handle to telescope for length adjustment while containing all components within a compact space, minimizing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic telescopic structure where the inner shaft can move relative to the outer shaft. This dynamic capability enables adjustable length and shock absorption while using simple cylindrical components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorption mechanism is added, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring automatically compresses and rebounds in response to impact forces without requiring user intervention or control mechanisms. The shock absorption function is self-regulating, adapting to different impact magnitudes while maintaining a simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring's compression stiffness can be adjusted by modifying the pre-compression force or spring constant, allowing the shock absorption characteristics to be tuned. This parameter adjustment capability provides adaptability without adding complex control systems.
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 spring action shovel effectively minimizes injuries by absorbing shock impulses and providing adjustable stiffness, enhancing user comfort and reducing fatigue during material handling tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring within the handle... helical compression spring to absorb shock impulses
Implementation Method 2
The shock absorbing mechanism may comprise a spring within the handle
Data Source
AI summary
The spring action shovel includes a hand grip, a shaft, a shock absorbing mechanism, and a shovel blade. The spring action shovel may be a hand-operated tool for moving material. The spring action shovel may be adapted to be held by placing a first user hand on the shaft and a second user hand on the hand grip. The shock absorbing mechanism may be located within the shaft and may be configured to minimize injuries due to repetitive or impactful motions of the shovel blade. The shock absorbing mechanism may comprise a stiffness adjustment that may be adapted for a user to vary the compressive stiffness of the shock absorbing mechanism.