Flexible Hinge Tool Sleeve with Latch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools with removable sockets face issues with secure attachment and orientation, particularly in applications where tools need to be dynamically moved or attached to larger devices, such as handpieces or power tools, without losing the bearing or requiring excessive force for insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A tool collar with a bearing guide and a flexible sleeve featuring a living hinge, which limits the bearing's movement and provides a latch mechanism for secure attachment, allowing for reversible attachment to handles or power tools, using materials like plastics, resins, metals, or polymers, and can be homogeneous or non-homogeneous in thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bearing guide with reduced diameter end is used to prevent bearing loss, then bearing security is improved, but the bearing cannot dynamically move within the guide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bearing guide's end diameter variable along its length, with a reduced diameter section that allows the bearing to move dynamically during tool insertion and removal, while a stopped section prevents bearing loss. This creates a dynamic system that adapts to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing guide is segmented into distinct functional zones: a reduced diameter section for dynamic bearing movement during tool attachment/detachment, and a stopped section with larger diameter to prevent bearing loss. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible sleeve with living hinge is added to dynamically move the bearing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sleeve with a living hinge, which is a thin-walled elastic structure that bends and deforms to allow bearing movement during tool insertion and removal. This flexible shell approach provides dynamic movement capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge structure is self-contained and automatically returns to its original position after deformation, requiring no additional actuators or control mechanisms. The elastic material itself provides the restoring force, making the system self-service and reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If friction fit or pressure fit is used for socket attachment, then secure attachment is achieved, but excessive force is required for insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static friction fit to dynamic bearing-guided attachment. The bearing moves dynamically within the guide during tool insertion, allowing the tool to be guided into position and secured with minimal force, then easily removed by reversing the motion.
4Manufacturing precision
If alignment guide is added to limit tool orientation, then orientation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide utilizes asymmetric features within the bearing guide structure, such as non-circular cross-sections or positioned elements, that naturally guide the tool into the correct orientation during insertion. This asymmetric geometry provides alignment control without requiring additional separate alignment components.
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 hinge system ensures secure and easy attachment of tools to various platforms, reducing the force required for insertion and removal, while maintaining alignment and preventing loss of the bearing, thus providing a versatile and efficient tool mounting solution.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible hinge (or living hinge) is placed or affixed over said tool collar
Data Source
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AI summary
A latch and catch arrangement is disclosed, whereby a sleeve supporting a flexible hinge is oriented over a bearing in guide. Said bearing in guide moves upward when a tool is inserted into a tool socket, and the flexible hinge, properly oriented by the alignment catch/latch, keeps the bearing in the tool socket while allowing necessary movement to insert and remove a tool.