Bearing Unit Adapter for Multi-Shaft Accessory Tool Mounting

Solution Overview

Problem

The production of accessory tools with varying hole diameters to match different power tool output shafts is economically and resource-intensive, leading to a multiplicity of similar products and safety risks due to unintentional demounting and loss.

Innovation Solution

A reusable bearing unit that adapts and reduces the bearing recess of accessory tools to match power tool output units, featuring a C-shaped design with collar-shaped portions and cylindrical elements for secure attachment and easy removal, made from plastic for flexibility and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If accessory tools are produced with varying hole diameters to match different power tool output shafts, then compatibility with different power tools is improved, but production costs and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different power toolsVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing unit is designed as a universal adapter that can be used with accessory tools of different thicknesses and bearing recess sizes. Instead of producing multiple versions of accessory tools with different hole diameters, a single bearing unit design with adjustable features (such as the bearing adapter mechanism) allows one accessory tool to work with multiple power tool output shafts, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing unit acts as an intermediary component between the accessory tool and the power tool output shaft. It includes a bearing adapter that can be adjusted to match different output shaft diameters, serving as a mediator that enables compatibility without requiring the accessory tool itself to be manufactured in multiple variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If accessory tools are produced with varying hole diameters to match different power tool output shafts, then compatibility with different power tools is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different power toolsVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing unit is designed as a universal adapter that can be used with accessory tools of different thicknesses and bearing recess sizes. Instead of producing multiple versions of accessory tools with different hole diameters, a single bearing unit design with adjustable features (such as the bearing adapter mechanism) allows one accessory tool to work with multiple power tool output shafts, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing unit is designed to be reusable and detachable. When an accessory tool is no longer needed or when a different power tool is used, the bearing unit can be removed and reused with another accessory tool, preventing waste and reducing resource consumption compared to producing dedicated accessory tools for each power tool model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If the bearing unit can be easily demounted without tools, then ease of operation is improved, but safety risks increase due to unintentional demounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of demountingVSAvoidsafety against unintentional demounting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing unit employs a dynamic locking mechanism that adapts to the connection state. During normal operation, the bearing adapter is securely locked to the accessory tool, preventing unintentional demounting. When intentional removal is needed, the mechanism allows for easy release, possibly through a simple button press or lever action that changes the locking state, thus providing both safety and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing unit incorporates a preliminary anti-action mechanism in the form of a secure locking system that prevents demounting under normal operating conditions. The locking mechanism is designed to counteract any forces that might cause unintentional demounting, while still allowing intentional removal when needed, thus balancing safety and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11204061B2Bearing unit for an accessory tool

Publication Date: 2021.12.21 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A bearing adapter for a disk-shaped accessory tool which has two sides. The bearing adapter includes a bearing unit configured to reduce a bearing recess of the accessory tool. The bearing unit is configured to adjoin the accessory tool and to enclose a portion of the accessory tool on the two sides when the bearing unit is mounted on the accessory tool.