Auxiliary Handle Quick-Disconnect Mechanism for Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools, such as drill drivers, often require cumbersome and time-consuming processes for attaching and detaching auxiliary handles, which can limit user convenience and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A quick-disconnect mechanism featuring a sleeve, pin, ball, and actuator allows the auxiliary handle to be easily and securely attached to the power tool via a handle aperture, enabling quick coupling and decoupling without tools, and allowing attachment at multiple points on the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional attachment mechanism (threading or set screws) is used for auxiliary handle, then the auxiliary handle can be securely attached to the power tool, but the attachment and detaching processes become cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a sleeve with ball aperture for positioning, a pin for axial locking, and an actuator for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick attachment while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from static attachment methods (threading, set screws) to a dynamic system where the pin can slide between retracted and extended positions, and the ball can move radially. This dynamic capability allows the auxiliary handle to be quickly attached and detached through actuator operation without tools.
2Productivity
If a quick-disconnect mechanism with pin and ball is used, then the auxiliary handle can be quickly attached and detached, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is received within a groove of the handle aperture, and the pin is disposed within the sleeve. These nested arrangements allow the components to be compact and integrated within the auxiliary handle structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining quick-connect functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to be operated without external tools. The actuator enables the user to manually move the pin between positions, and the ball automatically engages or disengages from the handle aperture groove through radial movement, making the system self-sufficient and tool-free.
3Ease of operation
If the auxiliary handle is made removable via quick-disconnect mechanism, then user convenience and versatility are enhanced, but the reliability of connection during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ball component provides spherical contact within the groove of the handle aperture. This curved geometry allows for reliable mechanical engagement that distributes loads effectively, ensuring stable connection during operation while maintaining the quick-connect capability for easy attachment and detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a housing, a motor disposed within the housing and operable to drive an output spindle, a main handle graspable by a user to maneuver the power tool, a handle aperture extending through at least a portion of the housing, and an auxiliary handle selectively coupled to the housing via a quick-disconnect mechanism. The auxiliary handle is at least partially insertable into the handle aperture.