Clamping Device Axial Jaw Coupling for Power Tools

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held power tool clamping devices for oscillating tools lack efficient mechanisms for secure clamping and easy operation, often requiring complex configurations and high operator effort.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held power-tool clamping device featuring a claw coupling element movable parallel to the axial direction, coupled with a cam mechanism and tilt-lever unit, allowing for easy coupling and decoupling, and incorporating a spring element for secure clamping, along with an overload limiting mechanism to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex clamping mechanism is used to achieve secure clamping, then clamping reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping reliabilityVSAvoidclamping mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is divided into functionally independent segments: the claw coupling element for torque transmission, the cam mechanism for axial movement generation, the tilt-lever unit for movement direction conversion, and the spring element for biasing. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex clamping action to be achieved through coordinated simple components rather than a monolithic complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism employs dynamic elements including the movable claw coupling element that translates between coupled and decoupled states, the cam mechanism that converts rotational motion to axial movement, and the tilt-lever unit that enables angular movement. These dynamic components allow the system to transition between states efficiently, achieving reliable clamping through motion rather than static complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a simple operating mechanism is used to reduce device complexity, then ease of operation is improved, but clamping reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating easeVSAvoidclamping reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the simple rotational operating element and the clamping action. It transforms the easy rotational input into precise axial movement of the claw coupling element. The tilt-lever unit serves as another intermediary that converts axial movement into the required angular motion for engagement/disengagement. These intermediary mechanisms bridge the gap between simple operation and reliable clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element provides self-service by automatically biasing the claw coupling element into the engaged position with the coupling element. This eliminates the need for additional actuating mechanisms to maintain clamping force, and the mechanism self-regulates through the spring's elastic properties, ensuring reliable clamping with minimal operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If high operator effort is required to actuate the clamping mechanism, then clamping force is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidactuating effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism uses dynamic motion transformation to amplify operator effort. The cam mechanism converts a small rotational movement into a larger axial displacement of the claw coupling element. The tilt-lever unit further amplifies this motion by converting axial movement into angular movement with a larger lever arm. This dynamic amplification allows small operator forces to generate large clamping forces through motion multiplication rather than direct force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element acts as a force-amplifying intermediary by storing and releasing elastic energy during the clamping cycle. It provides continuous biasing force that supplements the operator's actuating effort, effectively multiplying the total clamping force without requiring proportionally higher operator input. The spring serves as a force reservoir that delivers additional force during engagement and maintains clamping pressure throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution provides high operating comfort, secure clamping, and easy operation by reducing the effort required for actuating the clamping mechanism while preventing damage from excessive torque.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a spring element for secure clamping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the operating unit have at least one cam mechanism for moving the claw coupling element, which cam mechanism has at least one cam element disposed on an operating element of the operating unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

it is proposed that the operating unit have at least one tilt-lever unit for moving the claw coupling element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever principle: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS9486909B2Clamping device for a hand-held power tool
Publication Date: 2016.11.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US9486909B2 patent drawing
  • US9486909B2 patent drawing
  • US9486909B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A clamping device for a hand-held power tool includes at least one clamping unit configured to clamp a processing tool in an axial direction and at least one operating unit configured to actuate the at least one clamping unit. The at least one operating unit has at least one jaw coupling element configured to couple the at least one operating unit to the at least one clamping unit in a rotationally fixed manner. The at least one jaw coupling element is supported so as to be movable at least substantially parallel to the axial direction.