Anisotropic Strap Spacer for Transverse Vibration Attenuation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handle devices for portable power tools, particularly pole tools, inadequately filter transverse vibrations, leading to user discomfort and potential trauma during prolonged use.

Innovation Solution

A handle device with a sleeve and spacer system, where the spacer features straps with greater flexibility perpendicular to the sleeve axis, effectively attenuating transverse vibrations while maintaining a secure grip and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional vibration dampers are used in handle devices, then longitudinal vibrations are filtered effectively, but transverse vibrations are not sufficiently attenuated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse vibration transmissionVSAvoidvibration filtration effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the spacer's flexibility direction-dependent. The strap structure provides high flexibility perpendicular to the pole axis (to absorb transverse vibrations) while maintaining low flexibility parallel to the pole axis (to maintain structural integrity). This anisotropic flexibility pattern is built into the local structure of the spacer, allowing different mechanical properties in different directions at the same location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flexibility parameter of the spacer by introducing a strap structure with specific geometric characteristics. The strap's dimensions, material properties, and attachment configuration are designed to achieve the desired flexibility ratio between transverse and longitudinal directions. This parameter modification transforms the rigid spacer into a vibration-absorbing flexible connection that selectively attenuates transverse vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the distance between handle and pole is increased to reduce vibration transmission, then vibration filtration improves, but device compactness and grip control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidgrip control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible strap structure as the spacer between the handle and pole. This flexible element acts like a vibration-absorbing film or belt that can deform to isolate vibrations while maintaining a compact overall structure. The strap's flexibility allows it to absorb vibration energy through deformation rather than requiring increased distance for vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible strap serves as an intermediary element between the handle and pole. Instead of directly connecting the handle to the pole (which would transmit vibrations), the strap mediates the connection by absorbing and dissipating vibration energy through its flexible deformation, thereby protecting the user while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connection between handle and pole is used, then structural stability is maintained, but vibration filtration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the spacer's flexibility direction-dependent. The strap structure provides high flexibility perpendicular to the pole axis (to absorb transverse vibrations) while maintaining low flexibility parallel to the pole axis (to maintain structural integrity). This anisotropic flexibility pattern is built into the local structure of the spacer, allowing different mechanical properties in different directions at the same location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flexibility parameter of the spacer by introducing a strap structure with specific geometric characteristics. The strap's dimensions, material properties, and attachment configuration are designed to achieve the desired flexibility ratio between transverse and longitudinal directions. This parameter modification transforms the rigid spacer into a vibration-absorbing flexible connection that selectively attenuates transverse vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device significantly reduces transverse vibration transmission, enhancing user comfort and safety during extended use by effectively filtering vibrations without increasing the distance between the handle and the pole, thus preventing hand or arm trauma.

Implementation Method 1

the spacer includes at least one strap passing around the bushing and having a deformation flexibility perpendicular to the bushing axis greater than a deformation flexibility parallel to the bushing axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3378601B1Device with handle and vibrating filter for power tool with pole and tool provided with such a device
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 PELLENC SA
  • EP3378601B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378601B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3378601B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a handle device (10, 10a, 10b) for a portable power tool with a pole, comprising: - a socket (14, 14a, 14b) for attaching the handle device to the pole along a socket axis (24), - a handle (12, 12a, 12b), - a spacer (16) between the socket and the handle. According to the invention, the spacer (16) includes at least one strap (30a, 30b) passing around the socket (14, 14a, 14b) and having a greater deformation flexibility perpendicular to the socket axis (24) than a deformation flexibility parallel to the socket axis (24). The invention also relates to a power tool with a pole comprising the device. Applications include small fruit harvesting tools.