Driver Shank Quick-Connect Mechanism for Continuous Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drivers are available in discrete shank lengths, requiring multiple purchases, storage, and transportation, and do not allow for continuous adjustment, which can be cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A driver with a shank that allows for infinitely adjustable length through a handle mechanism featuring a sleeve with slots and retaining balls, secured by an azimuthal orientation restorer and retaining balls, enabling quick connection and continuous adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drivers with different discrete shank lengths are purchased, then the need for different shank lengths is satisfied, but storage and transportation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shank length is made dynamically adjustable through a telescopic mechanism with inner and outer shank portions that can slide relative to each other. The user can extend or retract the inner shank to achieve different effective lengths, and the mechanism locks into place using retaining balls and slots. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for multiple fixed-length drivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic shank mechanism is implemented, then shank length adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shank is segmented into an inner shank portion and an outer shank portion that can move independently relative to each other. The handle mechanism is also segmented with a sleeve containing slots and retaining balls that interact with the inner shank. This segmentation allows for a relatively simple locking mechanism using basic mechanical elements rather than a complex continuous adjustment system.
3Loss of time
If a quick connect mechanism is implemented, then connection speed is improved, but connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted into separate retaining balls that can be independently actuated. When the inner shank is inserted, the retaining balls are pushed into the slots to lock the connection. To release, the user simply pushes the retaining balls out of the slots, and the inner shank can be withdrawn. This separation of locking and releasing functions enables quick connection and disconnection while maintaining secure attachment during use.
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 reduces the need for multiple tools by allowing continuous shank length adjustment, minimizing storage and transportation requirements while providing a quick and secure connection mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
two retaining balls at least partially disposed in the chamber and biased away from each other along the axis
Implementation Method 2
an azimuthal orientation restorer operably engaged with the first and second outer handle portions and configured to restore a neutral azimuthal orientation between the first and second outer handle portions
Data Source
AI summary
A driver include: an axis, a shank with a handle engagement portion, and a handle configured to releasably and continuously adjustably fix the shank in position. The handle includes a sleeve with two slots axially oriented, first and second handle portions, a torsion spring between the handle portions, and two retaining balls riding in the two slots and disposed in the first handle portion and biased apart. With the first handle portion in a rotationally neutral position, the retaining balls are pressed against the shank, fixing the shank in position. Rotating the first handle portion with respect to the second handle portion releases the retaining balls and allows the shank to be adjusted in the handle.