Flexible Impact Bit Holder for Absorbing Torque Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard ¼ inch hex bits used with impact drivers tend to break due to high torque loads, as their hardening makes them brittle and prone to damage from instantaneous twisting forces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible bit holder with a flexion assembly made of materials like plastic, resin, or rubber is introduced, which allows the bit holder to flex and absorb torque pulses, reducing the immediate transfer of energy to the bit, thereby extending its lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard 1/4 inch hex bits are hardened to prevent wear on the screw head, then wear resistance is improved, but the bits become brittle and prone to breaking under high torque loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible adapter as an intermediary component between the impact driver and the hardened bit. This adapter absorbs the shock and torsional forces generated by the impact driver, preventing them from being directly transmitted to the hardened bit. The adapter acts as a buffer that mediates the interaction between the high-torque driver and the brittle but wear-resistant bit, thereby resolving the contradiction between wear resistance and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible adapter provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned in advance between the driver and the bit. It is designed to absorb and dissipate the impact forces and torsional loads before they can reach the hardened bit. This prior cushioning effect protects the bit from breaking while allowing it to maintain its hardened state for wear resistance.
2Productivity
If impact drivers generate high torque pulses to drive screws efficiently, then productivity is improved, but the instantaneous twisting forces cause bits to break
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible adapter serves as a mediator that allows the impact driver to maintain its high torque pulse output for productivity while protecting the bit from the damaging effects of these pulses. The adapter's flexible material absorbs and dampens the instantaneous twisting forces, transmitting only smoothed torque to the bit, thereby enabling both high productivity and extended bit lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of torque transmission by introducing a flexible element with specific viscoelastic properties. This flexible adapter transforms the torque profile from high-amplitude pulses to a smoother, more gradual torque application, changing the temporal characteristics of force transmission while maintaining the overall productivity benefits of impact driving.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a rigid connection is used between the driver and bit for direct torque transfer, then energy efficiency is improved, but the bit is vulnerable to breaking from torque spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connection from rigid to flexible, introducing a viscoelastic adapter that modifies the torque transfer characteristics. While there is some energy dissipation in the flexible material, the overall system benefits from reduced bit breakage and extended operational life, effectively improving the long-term energy efficiency by preventing repeated bit replacements and maintaining consistent torque delivery.
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 flexible bit holder effectively reduces the risk of bit breakage by distributing torque over time, allowing standard bits to withstand high torque loads without immediate energy spikes, thus extending their life expectancy.
Implementation Method 1
The flexion assembly may be formed of flexible material such that the drive body is rotatable relative to the driven body about a common axis of the drive body and the driven body
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible bit holder may include a drive body having a receiving orifice formed therein, a drive body having a shank and a flexion assembly. The receiving orifice may be configured to receive a bit, and the shank may be configured to interface with a driver to receive rotational energy from the driver. The flexion assembly may be disposed between at least a portion of the drive body and the driven body to operably couple the drive body and driven body. The flexion assembly may be configured to transfer torque applied to the driven body by the driver to the drive body. The flexion assembly may be formed of flexible material such that the drive body is rotatable relative to the driven body about a common axis of the drive body and the driven body.