At a glance
| Patent number | CN208468285U (application CN201820713808) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | Novel Hardware Hammer (一种新型五金锤) |
| Patent owner | Shenzhen Heng’anshun Hardware Co ltd |
| Inventors | Xu Yuandong |
| Filing date | 2018-05-14 |
| Grant date | 2019-02-05 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (recorded 2020-05-01) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 2 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN208468285U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a hardware hammer with a handle containing a rotating electric machine and battery. A drill bit is attached to the motor’s output. A switch is located at the bottom of the handle. The top of the handle has a casing with external threads. The hammer body has internal threads to mate with the handle. The hammer head includes a tup, connecting rod, and telescopic rod. The tup features a bottle opener, round end, and welded cutter.
Claim 2 specifies that the hammer body is a hollow structure connected to the handle via screw threads.
Claim 3 states the connecting rod is a solid construction welded to the tup.
Claim 4 describes the telescopic rod as a hollow structure welded to the connecting rod.
Claim 5 adds anti-skid lines to the exterior of the handle.
Claim 6 details the threading holes: three groups of first and second threaded holes, spaced 2 cm apart, secured by bolts to fix the telescopic length.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and has lapsed, so it no longer restricts anyone in China either. It has no US or other foreign counterpart.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Multi-tool devices combining power and manual functions are common in the consumer electronics and hardware sectors. Companies like Leatherman or Gerber hold extensive portfolios in this field. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to ensure the specific integration of the drill-in-handle and telescopic-head mechanics does not infringe on existing US patents.
- Safety Standards. Because the tool includes a battery and a sharp cutter, it falls under strict regulatory categories for importation into the US.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Forged steel, cast iron, or aluminum alloy for lighter weight |
| Handle Grip | Rubber overmold, textured plastic, or knurled metal |
| Motor Specs | Voltage (3.7V, 7.4V, etc.), RPM, and torque rating |
| Battery Type | Li-ion cell size and capacity |
| Attachments | Different cutter shapes, magnetic tip options, or additional pry bars |
| Finish | Black oxide, zinc plating, powder coat, or polished chrome |
Things to plan for (US market)
- UN 38.3 - Mandatory testing for lithium-ion batteries transported by air/sea.
- UL 60950 / UL 62368 - Safety standards for electronic equipment (if applicable to the motor/battery circuitry).
- CPSC Regulations - General safety requirements for consumer products; specifically regarding sharp edges (the cutter) and pinch points (telescopic mechanism).
- FCC Part 15 - If the device emits any radio frequency energy (unlikely for a simple DC motor, but check for interference issues).
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define target price, quantity, and feature set (motor power, head material).
- Design - CAD modeling of the housing, motor mount, and telescopic locking mechanism.
- Prototype - 3D-printed housings, machined heads, and off-the-shelf motors for functional testing.
- Pilot Run - Assembly of first batch, battery safety checks, and durability testing.
- Production - Injection molding for handles, stamping/forging for heads, motor winding, and final assembly.
Quantities & timeline
Molds for the handle casing and battery compartment are critical path items. Metal stamping dies for the head and telescopic rods require precision tuning for the bolt-hole alignment. Certification for battery transport takes time. Send us your target specs, quantity, and desired certification level and we will reply with options.
Production notes
Tooling and process
Likely involves injection molding for the plastic handle casing and die-casting or machining for the metal head components. The telescopic rod requires precise machining to ensure smooth sliding within the connecting rod. Heat treatment is typically applied to the striking face and cutter edge to achieve necessary hardness.
Cost drivers
Material costs typically vary significantly based on whether the head is forged steel or cast aluminum. The complexity of the internal motor mounting and the precision required for the bolt-hole alignment (to prevent wobble) add to machining time. Surface finish quality on the visible parts also impacts cost.
Prototyping path
Typically, prototyping starts with 3D-printed handles to test ergonomics and fit. Use machined or off-the-shelf blades for initial strength tests. Create heat-treatment trial coupons to verify edge retention. Assemble a functional sample with a generic motor to test the drill mechanism before committing to custom molds.
What we would change before tooling
We would likely simplify the telescopic locking mechanism to reduce part count. Ensuring the battery compartment is fully sealed against dust and moisture is a priority improvement over the basic patent description. Adjusting the grip texture for better slip resistance under oily conditions is also recommended.
Common failure points
Edge hardness below spec could cause the cutter to chip. Pivot pin wear in the telescopic joint may lead to play over time. Handle creep under load might deform the plastic casing if the motor vibrates excessively. Battery compartment security is critical to prevent accidental short circuits.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
