Bit Holding Device Single-Handed Lock Ring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bit holding devices for power tools require two hands to change tool bits, making the process slow and inefficient for repeated changes.
Innovation Solution
A bit holder with a rotatable lock ring and movable collar that allows for single-handed insertion and retention of tool bits, utilizing a spiral spline mechanism and spring bias to align edges for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional two-handed bit changing method is used, then the bit holding device can securely retain the tool bit, but the operation becomes slow and inefficient for repeated changes
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is made rotatable relative to the body, allowing dynamic adjustment between locked and unlocked states. This rotational degree of freedom enables the bit holder to transition between secure retention and easy release, facilitating rapid bit changes without requiring two hands
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically biases the lock ring toward the locked position, enabling the system to self-secure the tool bit without continuous manual intervention. The automatic locking action reduces operational complexity while maintaining security
2Ease of operation
If a lock ring mechanism is added to enable single-handed operation, then bit interchangeability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is nested within the collar, which is itself movable within the body. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly integrated without proportionally increasing the overall device size or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the locking action, engages with the tool bit groove, and can be rotated to change state. This merging reduces the need for separate locking mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 efficient and convenient single-handed insertion and removal of tool bits, improving the speed and ease of bit interchangeability in power tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to bias the lock ring toward the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A bit holder for retaining a tool bit having a groove includes a body defining a bore for receiving the tool bit. The bore includes a first plurality of edges corresponding to an outer profile of the tool bit. The bit holder also includes a collar movably coupled to the body and a lock ring supported within the collar. The lock ring includes an opening having a second plurality of edges, and the lock ring is rotatable between a locked position in which the second plurality of edges is misaligned with the first plurality of edges and an unlocked position in which the second plurality of edges is aligned with the first plurality of edges. The lock ring is rotatable from the locked position toward the unlocked position in response to a rear end of the tool bit engaging the lock ring.