Pivot-Joint Tool Holder for Low-Force Suspension Bar Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders for suspension bars require significant force to mount and dismount and are not easily adaptable for heavy or large objects, and they often require specialized suspension bars with specific flange designs.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder with a fastening device featuring a first and second portion that pivotally engage with the suspension bar's web and flanges, utilizing a locking mechanism that allows for easy one-handed attachment and detachment, ensuring secure fixation without the need for excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing tool holders use a rigid forcing mechanism to attach to suspension bars, then secure attachment is achieved, but significant force is required to mount and dismount
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device incorporates a pivotable second portion that transitions from a horizontal transport position to a vertical engaged position. This dynamic movement allows the attachment mechanism to rotate into place between the flanges, enabling secure engagement without requiring excessive forcing force. The pivot joint facilitates easy one-handed operation while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If existing tool holders are designed for specialized suspension bars with out-turned flanges, then secure mounting is achieved, but adaptability to standard suspension bars is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is designed to accommodate both standard suspension bars with inward-bent flanges and specialized suspension bars with out-turned flanges. The pivotable mechanism can adapt its engagement path to work with different flange configurations, making the tool holder universally compatible across multiple suspension bar designs while maintaining secure attachment in each case.
3Strength
If existing tool holders require vigorous forcing to past the flanges, then firm fixation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable second portion rotates from horizontal to vertical orientation, allowing the fastening device to slide between flanges with minimal force during the rotational motion. Once in the vertical engaged position, the geometry of the fastening device maintains firm fixation through its structural configuration, eliminating the need for vigorous forcing while achieving strong attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is pre-configured in a horizontal transport position that aligns it for easy insertion between the flanges. The pivot joint is pre-positioned to facilitate smooth rotation into the engaged state, allowing the user to attach the tool holder with a simple one-handed motion without requiring excessive force or complex maneuvers.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder is adapted for attachment to a C-shaped suspension bar. In at least one embodiment, the tool holder includes a hook device for suspending an object and a fastening device which enables the hook device to be releasably attached to the suspension bar. The fastening device includes a first and a second portion for retaining engagement with the web of the suspension bar and its respective flanges. The first portion forms the upper portion of the fastening device, when mounted, to which portion the hook device is fixedly attached either directly or indirectly. The second portion of the fastening device is pivotally attached to the first portion via a joint, which, with the tool holder in its mounted state, is oriented parallel with and located between the flanges of the suspension bar.