Tool Support Apparatus With Pivotable Ring Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool support devices are complex, costly, and interfere with tool operation due to multiple components and hooks or rings that complicate attachment and detachment, especially when used in elevated locations.

Innovation Solution

A novel apparatus with a pivotable ring member and clamping mechanism integrated into a body with indent sections and ribs, allowing secure attachment to a tool without additional parts, preventing interference during operation and simplifying design and manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a supporting device includes a hook or ring for attachment with external support structure, then the tool can be securely supported, but the hook or ring interferes with the handling of the tool during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure supportVSAvoidhandling of tool
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ring member is designed to be movable between a first position (where it clears the tool handle and does not interfere with operation) and a second position (where it engages with the support structure for secure support). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the ring to be out of the way during tool handling and only engage when needed for support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the supporting device uses a complicated attachment method to secure to the tool, then the attachment is reliable, but the attachment and removal process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment and removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting device is divided into functionally independent segments: a body portion that attaches to the tool, and a ring member that attaches to the support structure. The ring member can be independently positioned and engaged without affecting the attachment to the tool. This segmentation allows for quick attachment and removal while maintaining reliable connection through simple, separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the attachment portion of the supporting device involves multiple components, then the attachment function is achieved, but the design complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring member is integrated with the body portion of the supporting device, forming a unified structure where the ring is positioned on or connected to the body. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment portions for the ring and the body, reducing the total number of components and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining all necessary attachment functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2678137B1Tool supporting apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.04.08 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP2678137B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2678137B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2678137B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention discloses an apparatus (100) for supporting a tool from a support structure. The apparatus (100) includes a body (102), a clamping member (124) for releasably securing the body (102) to the tool, and a ring member (104) pivotably connected to the body (102). The ring member (104) is movable between an idle position and a working position, the ring member (104) being adapted to engage with the support structure in the working position. Moreover, the ring member (104) is secured in both the idle position and the working position.