Telescopic Tool Holder for Ergonomic Mixing Machine Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing machines are uncomfortable to use due to a fixed overall length that does not accommodate operators of varying heights, making handling inconvenient for both short and tall users.

Innovation Solution

A length-adjustable tool receiving device that allows the distance between the mixing machine's housing and the free end of the mixing rod to be adjusted, featuring a telescopic tool holder with a slide rod and locking mechanism for secure positioning, enabling comfortable handling regardless of operator height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the overall length of the mixing machine is fixed, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the machine is uncomfortable to use for operators of varying heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfortable handlingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is made telescopic with a slide rod that can move longitudinally within the tool holder, allowing the overall length of the mixing machine to be dynamically adjusted. This enables operators of different heights to adjust the machine to a comfortable working position, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure simplicity and operational comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slide rod is received within the tool holder in a nested configuration, where one component (slide rod) is placed inside another (tool holder). This nesting arrangement allows for length adjustment while maintaining a compact overall structure when retracted, balancing structural simplicity with adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tool holder is made telescopic to adjust length, then operator comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic tool holder with slide rod provides dynamic length adjustment capability, allowing the mixing machine to adapt to different operator heights and working conditions. This directly implements the adaptability improvement while the mechanical simplicity of the slide rod mechanism keeps the added complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool holder is segmented into movable parts (slide rod and tool holder body) that can adjust relative to each other. This segmentation enables length adjustment capability while keeping each segment relatively simple in design, thus improving adaptability without excessive complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If a locking mechanism is added to fix the slide rod position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded locking element automatically engages with the locking recess when the slide rod reaches a desired position, providing self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for manual locking operations, maintaining ease of operation while achieving secure positioning accuracy through the automatic engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary between the slide rod and tool holder, automatically engaging to secure the position. This intermediary mechanism provides positioning accuracy through automatic engagement while requiring minimal user intervention, thus maintaining operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2140931B2Agitating machine with length-adjustable tool holder
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP2140931B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2140931B2 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A work machine (11) has a working tool fastening device (14), especially for a stirring blade (17), driven by a drive motor (18) in a lengthwise direction (30) in front of a housing (12). The tool-fastening device (14) has a power output holder (35) rotationally joined to the drive motor (18) for retaining the tool holder (15) torsionally-tight in at least two lengthwise positions relative to the lengthwise direction (30) between the free end (32) of the tool (16) and the housing (12).