Compact Clamping Device Radial Toggle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held electric tools with clamping devices require significant axial space for unlocking mechanisms, hindering miniaturization and compactness, and are not easily operable with one hand.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a moving member, biasing member, and switching mechanism that allows for compact design by moving the toggle portion towards the tool body to disengage the locking position without occupying axial space, and a user-operable switching switch for convenient one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the push button moves toward the tool body along the axial direction to implement unlocking, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the axial size of the clamping device becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the unlocking mechanism from axial movement to radial movement. The push button now moves perpendicular to the axial direction (in the radial direction) to drive the locking mechanism, thereby avoiding the need for additional axial space while achieving the same unlocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the push button toward the tool body (inward) for unlocking, the patent inverts the direction: the push button moves outward in the radial direction to achieve unlocking, while the locking mechanism moves inward axially. This inversion resolves the space conflict.
2Ease of operation
If space is reserved in the interior of the clamping device for the locking mechanism to move back, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the compactness of the whole machine structure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension instead of the axial dimension for the push button movement. This allows the locking mechanism to operate in a different spatial plane, eliminating the need for reserved axial space and improving overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to nest within the existing structure of the clamping device. The components are arranged concentrically around the output shaft, with the push button, locking mechanism, and biasing member all nested within the same radial envelope, maximizing space utilization.
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 enables a more compact tool design while maintaining ease of use, allowing for efficient one-handed operation and reducing the axial size of the clamping device, thereby improving user experience and miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member and a limiting member, wherein the biasing member is disposed between the moving member and the limiting member, and the biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to the moving member to keep the moving member in the locking position
Implementation Method 2
a switching mechanism including a toggle portion and a driven portion. The toggle portion is configured to be movable toward the tool body and drive the moving member to move in a direction away from the tool body to disengage from the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
An electric tool includes a tool body and a clamping device configured to clamp an operating attachment. The clamping device includes a moving member, a biasing member, a limiting member, and a switching mechanism. The moving member is sleeved on the output assembly and has a locking position where the operating attachment is locked. The biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to the moving member to keep the moving member in the locking position. The switching mechanism includes a toggle portion and a driven portion. The toggle portion is configured to be movable toward the tool body and drive the moving member to move in a direction away from the tool body to disengage from the locking position. The biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to the driven portion to keep the moving member in the locking position.