Vertical Pry Bar Fulcrum Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pry bars are inadequate for efficiently accessing and lifting deck boards from corroded fasteners, as they often require vertical orientation, limiting reach and functionality when trying to pry between deck boards and underlying support beams.
Innovation Solution
A sturdy pry bar with an elongated shaft and a vertically expanded fulcrum plate featuring a linear skid edge and rolling fulcrum point, allowing for lateral access and high bending movement to lift deck boards, and optionally a V-notch for engaging fasteners, constructed from materials like forged steel for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional U-shaped pry bar is used, then leverage is provided for prying fastened work pieces apart, but a clearance space is required over the workpiece which limits reach and access to tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pry bar transitions from a traditional horizontal U-shaped configuration to a vertical orientation with the handle positioned below the workpiece. This dimensional change allows the tool to access tight spaces overhead without requiring clearance space above the workpiece, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reach.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is oriented vertically above the workpiece, then access to the crevice is improved, but the shaft cannot carry high bending movements effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is inverted to position below the workpiece rather than above it. This inversion allows the shaft to maintain optimal orientation for carrying bending loads while still enabling vertical insertion into the crevice between the deck board and support beam, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and strength.
3Productivity
If a conventional pry bar design is used, then fastener removal is possible, but substantial damage may occur to the deck boards during the prying process
Solution Approach 1:
The fulcrum plate is designed with a specific curved geometry that concentrates the prying force at a localized rolling contact point rather than distributing it across a broad area. This localized force application, combined with the vertical shaft orientation, enables efficient fastener removal while minimizing damage to the deck boards by preventing lateral sliding and concentrating stress at the fulcrum point.
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 convenient and effective removal of deck boards and fasteners with substantial leverage, minimizing damage to the deck boards and providing clear visibility and reach for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
prying about a fulcrum to lift the deck board away from the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft, a wedge and a fulcrum plate connecting the shaft and wedge and having a cross-section in one plane narrower than the shaft and a cross-section in an orthogonal plane wider than the shaft.