Tool Handle Segmented Locking for Torque and Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool handles have a weak lock member structure that can fracture under high torque and limited flexibility in orientation adjustment due to only two locking grooves.
Innovation Solution
A tool handle design featuring a first handle unit with an engaging block, a joint unit with annular positioning grooves, and a lock unit with multiple latching projections that can engage with the grooves to distribute torque and allow for multiple orientation adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional lock member with two locking grooves is used, then the structure is simple, but the structural strength is weak and the orientation adjustment flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is segmented into multiple latching projections (at least two spaced-apart projections) that can engage with multiple positioning grooves (at least three grooves) distributed around the joint unit. This segmentation allows the torque to be distributed across multiple engagement points, strengthening the overall structure while providing numerous orientation adjustment positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of locking grooves is increased to improve orientation flexibility, then the flexibility increases, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning grooves are arranged annularly around the joint unit, allowing the same groove pattern to serve multiple orientation positions. The latch member with multiple latching projections can engage different combinations of grooves to achieve various orientations, making the mechanism universally applicable for multiple positioning requirements without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Strength
If the lock member structure is strengthened to withstand high torque, then the strength increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is segmented into multiple latching projections that distribute the torque load across multiple engagement points with the positioning grooves. This segmentation strengthens the torque withstanding capacity by sharing the shear force across multiple interfaces, rather than concentrating it on a single lock member structure, thereby achieving strength without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool handle includes a first handle unit, a joint unit connected rotatably to the first handle unit and formed with a plurality of positioning grooves, a second handle unit connected co-rotatably to the joint unit, and a latch member inserted into the first handle unit and movable between a lock state, where two latching projections of the latch member engage two of the positioning grooves and the first and second handle units are non-rotatable relative to each other, and an unlock state, where the latching projections are disengaged from the two of the positioning grooves and the second handle unit is rotatable about the engaging block to permit adjustment of an orientation of the second handle unit relative to the first handle unit.