Quick Change Bit Holder with Floating Ring Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-release chucks for power and hand tools face challenges in efficiently retaining and stabilizing fasteners during installation and facilitating rapid, one-handed bit changes across various fastener configurations and bit lengths, while maintaining ease of use and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A quick-acting chuck assembly with a floating ring magnet at the retraction collar's forward end, allowing the magnet to float forward to engage and stabilize fasteners, and rearward to facilitate easy bit removal, supported by a spring-biased retraction collar and a floating sleeve, ensuring compatibility with different fastener configurations and bit lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring biased clip or detent ball mechanism is used to retain the bit, then the bit can be securely held in the holder, but the fastener cannot be effectively retained or stabilized during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the bit retention function (handled by the retraction collar and detent mechanism) from the fastener retention function (handled by the magnetic assembly). This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary force between the holder and the fastener. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field that attracts and holds ferromagnetic fasteners, providing retention without mechanical contact and working effectively during the fastener installation process.
2Productivity
If a conventional quick-release mechanism is used, then bit changes can be made quickly, but the fastener may become misaligned or unstable during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly performs preliminary action by attracting and positioning the fastener on the bit before the actual driving operation begins. This preliminary magnetic holding ensures the fastener is properly aligned and stable from the moment it contacts the bit, preventing misalignment during subsequent installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic assembly replaces mechanical clamping or positioning mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. This substitution provides smooth, contactless holding that naturally centers and stabilizes the fastener without the mechanical interference or misalignment issues associated with traditional mechanical retention systems.
3Device complexity
If the magnet is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the magnet cannot effectively engage fasteners of different sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is made dynamic rather than fixed. The retraction collar can move axially along the holder, allowing the magnetic assembly to adjust its position forward or backward. This dynamic positioning enables the magnet to effectively engage fasteners of various sizes and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable magnet assembly provides universal engagement capability for different fastener types (screws, bolts, nuts) and sizes. By allowing the magnet to position itself optimally, a single design can handle multiple fastener configurations that would otherwise require different specialized mechanisms.
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 secure retention and stabilization of fasteners during installation, while allowing for rapid and easy bit changes, enhancing versatility and convenience in using power and hand tools with various bit lengths and fastener configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a ring magnet at a forward end of the retraction collar to magnetize a fastener and assist in both retaining the fastener to the bit
Implementation Method 2
A spring biased retraction collar is mounted to the body and engages means for releasably retaining the hex-shaped tool within the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A bit holder assembly for a rotary hand or powered tool, includes a body having a hex shank at its rearward end and a retraction collar slidably disposed on the body. The body has a coaxial hex socket formed therein to allow a tool bit to be inserted thereinto. A coil spring biases the retraction collar forwardly and biases a retaining clip toward the bottom of an angular slot formed in the body. The bit is removed by sliding the retraction collar rearwardly, to compress the coil spring and allow the retaining clip to retract back up the slot. A ring magnet is disposed at the forward end of the retraction collar to magnetize a fastener to retain the fastener to the bit.