Tool Holder With Cylindrical Body and Rotatable Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders face issues such as requiring separate swivel-type connectors, difficulty in removal due to tight fits, insufficient grip for heavier tools, and connector failure when subjected to force, leading to unreliable tool retention and increased risk of drops.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder with a flexible and resilient body, featuring a cylindrical sidewall, a rotatable connector assembly, and suction cups, which allows for secure attachment and easy removal of tools, along with a pivoting tether connector that minimizes interference and serves as an anti-roll mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector is attached through an opening or eyelet formed in the end of a rubber sleeve, then the tool can be tethered to prevent drops, but a separate swivel-type connector is required to prevent the line from becoming coiled during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector and swivel mechanism into a single integrated unit that attaches directly to the tool handle through the rubber sleeve opening. This merging eliminates the need for separate swivel-type connectors while maintaining the ability to prevent line coiling during use.
2Reliability
If a cylindrical member is slipped over the end of a tool handle with a tight fit, then the holder can securely retain the tool, but the holder becomes difficult to remove from the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic retention mechanism where the rubber sleeve can be compressed to reduce its diameter, allowing easy removal from the tool handle. When released, the sleeve returns to its original size, maintaining secure retention during use. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between secure fitting and easy removal.
3Ease of operation
If the frictional grip of the cylindrical member is reduced to make the holder easier to remove, then the holder can be removed from tools more easily, but the grip becomes insufficient to hold heavier tools or the holder becomes unreliable when the tool is inadvertently dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic frictional grip system where the rubber sleeve maintains high friction during normal use to securely hold tools of various weights. When removal is needed, the user applies force to compress the sleeve, dynamically reducing the frictional grip and allowing easy removal. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between easy removal and reliable retention.
4Reliability
If the wall of the hollow member is made tight to securely grip the tool, then the tool is held firmly, but the holder becomes difficult to remove due to vacuum formed between the handle and the closed end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic compression mechanism where the rubber sleeve can be compressed to break the vacuum seal formed between the holder and tool handle. This allows easy removal while maintaining secure grip during normal use, resolving the contradiction between firm retention and easy removal.
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
The tool holder provides a secure grip on tools, prevents accidental drops, and allows for comfortable handling by minimizing tether interference, while being adaptable for use with both lighter and heavier tools.
Implementation Method 1
at least one suction cup on an inside surface of the sidewall
Implementation Method 2
The holder body is made of a flexible and resilient material adapted to receive and conform to a handle or non-working end of a tool
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder has a holder body with a generally cylindrical sidewall extending along a central longitudinal axis between an open first end and a second end portion. The second end portion defines a through-opening extending along the central longitudinal axis and having a through-opening radius. A flange member extends axially from the second end portion and has flange neck portion and a flange rim portion each extending radially about the through-opening. The flange rim portion is spaced apart from and connected at the flange neck portion to the second end portion of the holder body. A reinforcing member installed on the flange neck portion between the flange rim portion and the second end portion. The holder body is made of a resilient, pliable material and constructed to receive and frictionally engage a non-working end of a tool inserted into the holder body through the open first end.