Tri-Pod Support Apparatus for Upright Tool Positioning Without Bending
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of elongated hand tools face difficulties in temporarily suspending these tools without bending, which can strain their backs and is challenging for individuals with physical restrictions or disabilities, as there is often no convenient object to prop them against.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus comprising a guide block with longitudinal channels and slots, mounting bracket, and rigid legs with biasing members that allow the tool handle to be securely positioned in an upright or inclined configuration, using a tri-pod formation to maintain the tool in a stable position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool is placed horizontally on the ground, then the tool can be stored when not in use, but the user must bend over or crouch down to retrieve it, causing back strain and joint problems
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus transitions the tool storage from a horizontal ground level to a vertical upright position, changing the spatial dimension. The guide block with longitudinal channels and slots, combined with rigid legs that can extend and pivot, enables the tool to be supported in an upright configuration, allowing the user to retrieve it without bending or crouching.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the tool and the user. It provides a mechanical structure with guide blocks, mounting brackets, and rigid legs that mediate the support function, eliminating the need for the user's body to directly support the tool weight during retrieval.
2Ease of operation
If the tool is propped against a wall or other object, then the tool can be kept upright, but there may not be a conveniently located wall or object nearby
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is self-contained and does not require external walls or objects for support. The mounting bracket attaches to the tool handle itself, and the rigid legs with guide blocks create a self-supporting structure that can be deployed anywhere, making the system independent of external support surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is designed to be universally applicable to various tools with handles. The mounting bracket can be attached to different tool handles, and the adjustable rigid legs can accommodate different tool lengths and types, making the system versatile and location-independent.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support apparatus uses a fixed rigid structure, then the tool can be supported stably, but it cannot accommodate various tool lengths and types
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus incorporates dynamic elements that allow adjustment. The rigid legs can extend or retract along the longitudinal channels of the guide blocks, and can pivot at joints. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to different tool lengths and types while maintaining stability through the tri-pod formation when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is divided into segmented components: multiple guide blocks with longitudinal channels, adjustable rigid legs, and a mounting bracket. These segmented parts can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the structure to accommodate various tool configurations while maintaining overall stability.
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
Enables users to suspend hand tools without bending, reducing strain on the back and accommodating various tool lengths and types, while being easily adjustable and usable by individuals with physical limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member connecting the second ends of the legs, said biasing member configured to bias the first ends of the legs away from one another
Implementation Method 2
each leg having a linear portion with a linear rail extending laterally therefrom, the linear portion terminating at a first end of the leg; a curved portion extending from the linear portion and terminating at a second end of the leg, the curved portion having a curved rail extending laterally therefrom, the linear rail and the curved rail of each leg configured for engagement within a respective slot
Data Source
AI summary
To support a handle of a tool in a generally upright position, there is provided an apparatus comprising a guide block releasably securable to the handle of the tool, the guide block having a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of longitudinal channels running there through and diverging from said top end toward said bottom end. A longitudinal slot is operatively associated with each of said channels. Each of said slots has a longitudinal first edge and a longitudinal curved edge. The apparatus includes a pair of rigid legs, each leg dimensioned to be slidably received through one of the channels, has a linear portion with a linear rail extending laterally therefrom and has a curved portion with a curved rail extending laterally therefrom. The linear rail and the curved rail of each leg engage within a respective slot when the legs are received through the guide block's channels.