Support fixture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of long-handled work implements face challenges in standing them upright and stably, especially in open spaces where leaning against structures is not feasible, leading to potential damage or injury from accidental tripping and the inconvenience of bending to retrieve them.

Innovation Solution

A support fixture with a mounting bracket and hingedly connected standing leg that can extend to engage with the floor or rest on the implement, allowing for adjustable upright and stable support, made from lightweight, weather-resistant materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the work implement is placed on the floor or ground, then the user does not need additional support structures, but the work implement cannot stand uprightly and stably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of placing work implementVSAvoidstability of work implement position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support fixture employs a hinged standing leg that can dynamically adjust between a folded position (when work implement is in use) and an extended position (when providing support). This dynamic mechanism allows the fixture to adapt to different operational states, providing stability when needed and clearing the way when the implement is being used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support fixture is self-supporting through its hinged leg mechanism that extends to the floor or ground surface to provide stable support for the work implement. The fixture serves itself by using the ground surface as part of its support structure, eliminating the need for external support structures or walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If a support fixture is added to enable upright standing, then the work implement can stand stably, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of work implement positionVSAvoidcomplexity of support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support fixture is divided into distinct functional segments: a mounting bracket that attaches to the work implement and a separate hinged standing leg that provides support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the standing leg is extended to provide support, then the work implement stands uprightly, but the standing leg may obstruct during use of the work implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupright positioning of work implementVSAvoidobstruction during use

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged connection allows the standing leg to be folded upward against the work implement body when the implement is in use, clearing the operational path. When the implement is not in use, the leg can be extended downward to provide stable support. This dynamic folding capability resolves the conflict between providing support and avoiding obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the support fixture is made lightweight and foldable, then the fixture is easy to handle and store, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handling and storing fixtureVSAvoidstructural strength of support fixture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged design allows the standing leg to be folded when not in use, making the fixture compact for storage and transport. When deployed, the leg extends to provide full structural support. This dynamic configuration allows the fixture to be lightweight and easy to handle while maintaining sufficient strength when in the extended support position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables secure, upright, and stable positioning of work implements, preventing accidents and reducing physical strain by allowing easy retrieval without the need for bending, while being adaptable and non-obstructive during use.

Implementation Method 1

The standing leg is hingedly connected to the mounting bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS10288216B1Support fixture

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 AMANZE CHARLES U

AI summary

A support fixture that can be securely attached to a work implement such as mops, push brushes, long handled paint rollers, shovels, garden rakes, leaf rakes, squeegees, long handled trowels, vacuum cleaner wands, walking sticks, long handled shears and other long handled tools, includes a mounting bracket and a standing leg. The standing leg is hingedly engaged into the mounting bracket. The support fixture is light in weight and weather resistant and substantially aids the work implement to stand alone uprightly and in a stable position when the work implement is not operational. When the work implement is operational, the standing leg may be adjustably flipped upwards to prevent any obstruction of the operations of the work implement.