Tool Stick Connector Slide Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool handle connectors lack sufficient security against unintentional unlocking and require complex handling for easy detachment, making them inconvenient for one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A slide actuating element on the shank, with control surfaces and a spring mechanism, allows for secure locking and easy unlocking by moving the slide, which is designed for linear or rotary motion, and features a stop element and flexible tongues for different tool handle compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button is provided on the rear portion of the tongue for depression to release the lock, then unlocking is possible, but security against unintentional unlocking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static button-press mechanism into a dynamic slide mechanism that requires deliberate movement along the shank axis. The slide must be moved from a first position to a second position to unlock, making accidental activation significantly less likely while maintaining ease of operation through simple linear or rotary motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide acts as an intermediary element between the user and the locking mechanism. Instead of directly pressing the button on the tongue, the user moves the slide which then actuates the tongue through control surfaces, providing an intermediate step that prevents unintentional unlocking while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a slide mechanism is introduced for secure locking, then security against unintentional unlocking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is merged with the shank structure, forming an integrated assembly rather than a separate component. The control surfaces are formed directly on the shank or tongue, eliminating the need for additional complex mechanisms. This merging approach adds security functionality while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically returns the slide to its locked position after unlocking, and the control surfaces automatically translate the slide's linear motion into radial motion of the tongue. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional springs or complex actuation systems, keeping the device relatively simple despite the enhanced locking security.
3Reliability
If control surfaces are used to translate slide movement into radial movement of the tongue, then locking security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control surfaces utilize geometric parameter changes to achieve the desired motion transformation. By designing the control surfaces with specific angles and profiles, the mechanism automatically converts linear slide movement into radial tongue movement. This geometric approach is more manufacturable than mechanical linkages while providing reliable locking security.
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 solution provides enhanced security against unintentional unlocking and allows for easy one-handed operation, with simplified assembly and reduced parts, utilizing the spring action of the flexible tongue for locking and unlocking, ensuring secure attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible tongue (21, 22) provided on the shank (19), which has an outwardly protruding nose (24, 25) for penetrating a hole (13) in the tool handle (11)
Implementation Method 2
The slider is subjected to a spring action that urges it to the locked position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The handle (15) has a connector (17) with a shaft (19) for inserting a tool grip into a channel (12). Flexible guides (21, 22) provided at the shaft have lugs (24, 25) for penetrating into a hole of a tool grip (11) and have an actuator for moving the guides to detach the connector from the tool grip. The actuator is a slider e.g. slide ring, movable on the shaft, where the slider feeds the guides into the shaft by a control surface (31) as a function of a position of the slider, such that the tool grip is detachable from the connector by moving the slider on the shaft.