Drill Bit Clip Packaging for Size-Adaptable Carbide Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drill bit packaging does not adequately protect carbide-tipped drill bits, particularly during display and use, and lacks versatility in accommodating various sizes without increasing manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A packaging assembly comprising a front clip with a drill bit holding region and a back clip that secures to the front clip, featuring adjustable channels and ridges to fit different drill bit sizes, using ultrasonic welding, screws, rivets, or adhesives for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single packaging design is used for all drill bit sizes, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but protection and retention effectiveness deteriorates for specific sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddrill bit protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging assembly is divided into modular components: a universal front clip and size-specific back clips. The front clip contains standardized features (channel, recess, opening) that remain consistent across all sizes, while back clips are segmented into different sizes (small, medium, large) with corresponding channels. This segmentation allows standardized mass production of the front clip while providing size-appropriate protection through interchangeable back clips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front clip is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple drill bit sizes through its standardized channel and recess geometry. The back clips serve multiple functions: they provide size-specific retention, protect the drill bit carbide tip, and can be interchanged based on the drill bit size being packaged. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely different packaging designs for each size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple packaging designs are used for different drill bit sizes, then protection and retention effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill bit retentionVSAvoidpackaging design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system segments the retention and protection functions into separate components: the front clip handles positioning and visibility, while the back clip handles retention and protection. Only the back clip varies by size, keeping the overall system complexity manageable while providing size-specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The back clips differ primarily in dimensional parameters (channel size, ridge position, overall dimensions) to accommodate different drill bit sizes. By varying only these critical parameters rather than redesigning the entire packaging structure, the system achieves size-specific retention while maintaining design simplicity and manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the packaging structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but drill bit protection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddrill bit damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The back clip is designed with a channel and ridge structure that cradles and cushions the drill bit carbide tip before any potential impact or damage occurs. This pre-positioning and support structure protects the vulnerable carbide tip during handling, display, and transport without requiring complex protective mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging assembly acts as an intermediary protective structure between the drill bit and external harmful factors (impacts, drops, handling damage). The front and back clips together form a protective enclosure that shields the carbide tip while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized component design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a secure retention mechanism is implemented, then drill bit security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill bit securityVSAvoidpackaging structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back clip features a dynamic retention mechanism where the ridge can be inserted into the drill bit flute at different positions along the channel. This allows the retention system to adapt to different drill bit sizes and flute positions, providing secure retention without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms. The simplicity of the ridge-and-channel interface maintains low structural complexity while achieving reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3947185B1Drill bit packaging
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP3947185B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3947185B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3947185B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

A packaging assembly for a drill bit. The packaging assembly includes a front clip with a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, and a drill bit holding region. The drill bit holding region defines a recess with a first channel to receive a portion of the drill bit. The front clip further includes a window extending between the front and rear side to view the drill bit. The window extends away from the drill bit holding region in a longitudinal direction of the front clip. The packaging assembly further includes a back clip that is separate from the front clip. The back clip includes a second channel. The back clip is secured to the front clip to hold the drill bit within the first and second channels.