Universal Second Handle for Outdoor Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of outdoor hand tools like shovels and rakes often face difficulty in achieving sufficient leverage for operations, as they typically have only one handle to work with, limiting their flexibility and performance.

Innovation Solution

A universal second handle made of plastic, comprising a hand grip, extension, and loop, designed to be easily attached to existing tools, providing additional leverage and flexibility by allowing users to operate with two hands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users use only one handle for outdoor tools, then the tool structure remains simple, but leverage and operational flexibility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidhandle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second handle is designed as a universal attachment that can be added to various outdoor tools (shovels, rakes, brooms, pitchforks) to provide enhanced leverage and operational flexibility without replacing the original tool structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The second handle is divided into separate functional components: a loop for attachment to the original handle, an extension for leverage, and a hand grip for user operation, allowing independent optimization of each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a second handle is added to existing tools, then leverage and flexibility improve, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveleverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The second handle components are designed with specific dimensional parameters (loop diameter of 1-2 inches, extension length of 12-24 inches, hand grip dimensions) that optimize leverage while remaining manufacturable at low cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The second handle is constructed from inexpensive materials such as plastic or rubber for the hand grip and extension, with minimal metal components, enabling mass production at very low cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a second handle is added to existing tools, then operational flexibility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidhandle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The second handle incorporates a loop that can be positioned at different locations along the original handle and a set screw mechanism that allows adjustable positioning, enabling dynamic adaptation to different user needs and tool configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9943953B2Universal second handle

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 FRITZ KEITH

AI summary

A universal second handle for attachment to tool members including shovels, brooms, rakes, and pitchforks, that is easily placed on a handle thereof to increase flexibility and leverage for performing various operations by providing the ability to use the tool member with hands on two separate handles.