Accessory Holder Cam Mechanism for Power Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process for accessory bits for oscillating power tools is laborious and expensive due to the need for low tolerance manufacturing and separate formation of connection and working portions, which are then permanently bonded.
Innovation Solution
An accessory holder system with a support frame and actuator that clamps an accessory to the power tool's driven output, using a cam mechanism to deform the accessory's connection prongs into recesses, eliminating the need for welding and allowing for a single, monolithic part manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If accessory bits are manufactured with separate connection and working portions that are permanently bonded, then a rigid connection is achieved, but manufacturing costs and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection portion and working portion into a single monolithic accessory bit made from one piece of material. This eliminates the need for separate formation and permanent bonding of multiple parts, directly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable clamp that can transition between clamped and unclamped positions. The clamp applies dynamic mechanical force to deform the accessory bit into recesses, creating a rigid connection during operation while allowing easy release when needed. This dynamic mechanism replaces permanent bonding with reversible mechanical fastening
2Productivity
If accessory bits are manufactured with low tolerances for rigid connection, then oscillation transmission efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable clamp provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the connection to be optimized for rigidity during operation. The clamp can be positioned to ensure proper alignment and contact between the accessory bit and driven output, maintaining high oscillation transmission efficiency without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on all components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the connection from permanent and fixed to adjustable and controllable. By using a movable clamp that can apply varying degrees of force and deformation, the system can optimize connection parameters (such as contact pressure and alignment) to achieve high oscillation transmission efficiency while using more relaxed manufacturing tolerances
3Ease of operation
If a movable clamp is used to fasten the accessory, then easy release and repositioning is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable clamp is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring additional tools or complex actuation mechanisms. The user can directly manipulate the clamp to transition between clamped and unclamped positions, enabling easy release and repositioning of the accessory bit while keeping the mechanism simple and intuitive
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs and maintains a rigid connection, making the accessory easier and less expensive to produce while ensuring secure attachment to the power tool.
Implementation Method 1
The accessory holder includes a support frame and at least one cam member. The at least one cam member is operably connected to the support frame and rotatable to a clamped position and an unclamped position. The at least one cam member is spaced apart from the accessory plane by a first distance greater than the thickness when the at least one cam member is in the unclamped position. The at least one cam member is spaced apart from the accessory plane by a second distance less than the thickness when the at least one cam member is in the clamped position, such that the at least one cam member deforms a portion of the at least one connection prong into the at least one recess when the at least one cam member is in the clamped position.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory holder for holding an accessory of a power tool includes a support frame and an actuator. The support frame includes a tool connection structure configured to connect to a driven output of the power tool and an accessory connection structure fixedly extending from the tool connection structure and defining at least one recess. The actuator is rotatably connected to the accessory connection structure and is rotatable to a clamped position and an unclamped position. The actuator is configured to deform a portion of the accessory into the at least one recess when the actuator is in the clamped position, such that the accessory is clamped to the accessory connection structure when the actuator is in the clamped position.