Drill Stand Spacer With Sliding Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill stands require complex locking mechanisms and multiple actions to securely space a drill from the stand, especially when additional space is needed due to tool size or attachments, making setup cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A spacer with a locking member that transmits locking force from one end to the other, allowing for simplified locking and enabling stacking for increased spacing, using complementary tab noses and recesses with a biasing mechanism for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spacer is clamped to the tool and tool stand using separate locking mechanisms at each end, then secure spacing is achieved, but the locking mechanism complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking member engages with both the tool and tool stand simultaneously, allowing one locking action to secure both ends of the spacer. This merging reduces complexity while maintaining secure spacing, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a spacer is clamped to the tool and tool stand using separate locking mechanisms at each end, then secure spacing is achieved, but the setup time and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate locking actions into one simultaneous locking action, the patent significantly improves ease of operation. The single locking mechanism allows the user to secure the spacer to both the tool and tool stand in one motion, reducing setup time and effort while maintaining secure spacing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spacers are stacked to achieve extra separation, then adjustable spacing is enabled, but the alignment precision and positioning accuracy must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric features including tab noses on one spacer that fit into recesses on the other, and complementary asymmetric locking surfaces. These asymmetric design elements ensure precise alignment and positioning when spacers are stacked, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling adjustable spacing through the stacking capability.
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
Reduces the complexity of locking mechanisms to a single action, allows for adjustable spacing, and ensures correct positioning of the spacer relative to the tool and stand, facilitating easy setup and secure attachment with reduced risk of misalignment or accidental movement.
Implementation Method 1
The spacer may comprise at least one biasing member, such as a spring, which acts to bias the locking member relative to the spacer body so as to bias the tab noses and recesses into engagement once the relative position is reached.
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer (1) for spacing a tool such as a drill motor from a tool stand such as a drill stand, the spacer (1) comprising a spacer body (2) and a locking member (3), the spacer body (2) having first (4) and second (5) opposing faces, the locking member (3) extending from a first end (6) thereof adjacent to the first face (4) to a second end (7) thereof adjacent to the second face (5), the locking member (3) being able to slide relative to the spacer body(2) along a direction from the first end (6) to the second end (7), the first end (6) and the second end (7) each being provided with at least one locking surface(10,11), wherein the spacer (1) is arranged such that at application of a locking force each locking surface (10, 11) of one of the first and second ends (6, 7) transmits the locking force to each locking surface (10,11) of the other of the first and second ends (6, 7).