Tool Attachment System with Dual Retainer Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk of accidental dropping of tools and objects while working above ground or water, which can cause injury or damage, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent such incidents.
Innovation Solution
A secure attachment device with a latch mechanism that requires engagement of at least two retainers to secure tools, using mountings with movable latch portions and bias members to ensure that tools are retained until intentionally released, preventing accidental detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single retainer is used to hold a tool, then the device is simple to operate, but the tool can be accidentally dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into multiple retainers (first retainer and second retainer) that work together to hold the tool. Each retainer has its own latch mechanism, creating segmented retention points that collectively prevent tool dropping while maintaining individual simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple retainers are combined into a single integrated attachment device with coordinated latch mechanisms. The first and second retainers are merged through a common tool interface, creating a unified system where both retainers must be engaged to securely hold the tool
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to prevent accidental detachment, then tool security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the retainer. When the retainer moves to a specific position, the latch self-activates to lock or unlock, eliminating the need for separate manual latching operations and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to be ready for immediate engagement. The bias member maintains the latch in a predetermined position, so that when the retainer reaches the correct position, the latch automatically secures it without requiring additional activation steps
3Reliability
If multiple retainers are required for secure attachment, then accidental dropping is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinated latch mechanisms automatically manage the engagement and disengagement of multiple retainers. When one retainer is released, the system self-manages the state of other retainers through the tool's movement, eliminating the need for manual control of each retainer individually
Solution Approach 2:
The bias members pre-position the latch mechanisms in ready states, so that tool insertion or removal automatically triggers the appropriate latching or unlatching sequence. The system is prepared in advance to respond to tool movement, making operation intuitive and simple
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device (10) adapted for use with at least two retainers (14), the device (10) including at least two mountings (44), each for engagement with a retainer (14), wherein when a first one (14a) of the retainers is engaged with the device (10) it cannot be detached from the device until another retainer (14b) has been engaged with the device (10).