Two-Handle Shovel With Resilient Coupling For Strain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shovel systems do not effectively facilitate the shoveling of repetitive loads while minimizing strain on the shoveler, leading to injuries, and lack a safe, comfortable, convenient, and economical solution for lifting such loads.
Innovation Solution
A two-handle shovel system with a secondary shaft, grip, and coupling assembly featuring a resilient member, which attaches to a primary shaft, allowing for efficient load handling and strain reduction through a secure and adjustable mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional single-handle shovel is used, then the device complexity is low, but the strain on the shoveler increases and injury risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The shovel handle is segmented into two separate handles (primary and secondary shafts) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the shoveler to distribute the load across both hands, reducing strain on the back and shoulders while maintaining a manageable structure through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid connection is used between handles, then the structural strength is high, but the adaptability to different shoveling conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly incorporates a resilient member (spring) that allows dynamic adjustment and flexible connection between the primary and secondary shafts. This dynamic connection maintains structural strength while enabling adaptability to different shoveling conditions, user preferences, and load types through adjustable positioning and flexible coupling
3Reliability
If no coupling assembly is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of load handling decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the primary and secondary shafts, providing a secure and reliable connection for load handling. The resilient member within the coupling assembly ensures stable force transmission while accommodating minor misalignments and vibrations, enhancing overall system reliability without excessive complexity
4Ease of operation
If a resilient member is added to the coupling assembly, then the comfort and injury prevention improve, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member (spring) in the coupling assembly modifies the mechanical parameters of the shovel system by introducing elasticity and shock absorption. This parameter change enhances user comfort and injury prevention by reducing impact forces and vibrations during repetitive shoveling motions, while the spring component remains a cost-effective solution
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 two-handle shovel system reduces strain on the shoveler, enhances safety and comfort, and provides an economical solution for lifting repetitive loads, thereby minimizing injuries and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling assembly includes a resilient member coupled to the secondary lower end of the secondary shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary shaft has a secondary upper end, a secondary lower end, and a secondary intermediate region. A grip is positioned on the secondary upper end of the secondary shaft. A coupling assembly releasably attaches the secondary shaft to a primary shaft of a shovel. The coupling assembly includes a resilient member coupled to the secondary lower end of the secondary shaft.