Hand-Held Tool Coupling Member Displacement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held tools, such as disc grinders, often have coupling parts for fall prevention that can be damaged by impacts, leading to a loss of suspension function without the user being aware, posing a safety risk as the tool may still be used despite a compromised suspension system.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a coupling member that displaces between a first and second position due to deformation, visually indicating damage and preventing tool activation, ensuring the user recognizes the need for maintenance by disabling the tool's operation when the coupling part is compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the coupling part is designed to be simple and robust, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to detect damage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators such as color-coded markers or flags that change position or color state to indicate the condition of the coupling part. When the coupling member is damaged or displaced, the indicator provides a visible signal to the user, making damage detection simple without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator mechanism that mediates between the coupling member's physical state and the user's perception. This indicator acts as a translator, converting the mechanical state (intact or damaged) into a visible signal, thus solving the detection difficulty without adding complexity to the core coupling structure.
2Measurement precision
If the coupling member is allowed to displace freely to indicate damage, then the measurement precision of damage detection is improved, but the reliability of the coupling function is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic indicator mechanism that responds to the displacement of the coupling member. The indicator is designed to move or change state when the coupling member displaces due to damage, providing precise detection. Meanwhile, the coupling member itself maintains its functional reliability through controlled displacement paths and engagement features that ensure it returns to or remains in the correct position for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the detection function from the coupling function by dividing the coupling part into distinct segments: the coupling member for mechanical connection and the indicator mechanism for damage detection. This segmentation allows the coupling member to displace freely for accurate damage indication while the indicator separately communicates this information, maintaining the reliability of the coupling function itself.
3Productivity
If the tool allows operation without damage detection, then the productivity is improved, but the safety is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the visual indicator provides immediate information about the coupling part's condition. The user can quickly assess whether the coupling member is intact or damaged by observing the indicator's state, enabling rapid decision-making about tool safety without interrupting workflow significantly. This feedback loop maintains productivity while eliminating the safety risk of undetected damage.
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
This configuration reliably notifies the user of coupling part damage, preventing unsafe use and ensuring timely maintenance, thus maintaining the suspension function's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling member is displaced to the second position due to deformation of the first position retaining member
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held tool, such as a disc grinder, is used to perform work at a high work site, a countermeasure is taken to prevent the hand-held tool from falling by using a suspension tool, such as a tether strap. If a coupling part that couples the suspension tool to the hand-held tool is damaged, this fact is notified to a user. Thereby, an original function of the suspension tool can be reliably performed. If a large impact is applied to a coupling member via a suspension tool, the coupling member is displaced to a second position, due to the deformation of a first position retaining member. A conductive portion disengages from contacts to cause a power circuit to be shut off, thereby prohibiting a main body part from being activated.