Gear-Amplified Fastener Assembly for Tool-Free Power Tool Implement Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for changing detachable implements on power tools, such as lawn mowers and trimmers, are often inconvenient and impractical due to the need for additional tools and the inability to apply sufficient torque by hand, leading to difficulties in installation, removal, and maintenance, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of force amplified fastener assemblies with planetary or cycloidal gearing within a hand graspable housing, providing a mechanical advantage for manual tightening and loosening of fasteners, allowing tool-free implement changes and incorporating a lock mechanism for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastener is used to attach implements to power tools, then the connection is secure and reliable, but additional tools (wrenches, braces) are required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system combines the fastening function with an integrated locking mechanism that includes a pawl and ratchet teeth. This merging of functions allows the single component to both secure the implement and prevent reverse rotation, eliminating the need for separate locking tools while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed with self-locking capability through the pawl-ratchet mechanism. Once tightened, the pawl automatically engages with the ratchet teeth to prevent reverse rotation, providing self-service locking without requiring additional tools or operations from the user.
2Device complexity
If a conventional fastener is used, then the structure is simple, but sufficient torque cannot be applied by hand for tightening and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a gear train mechanism that translates rotational motion into amplified torque. By introducing this mechanical advantage system, the device maintains a relatively simple external form while internally multiplying the force applied by hand, enabling sufficient tightening torque without complex external structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear train acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the fastener's tightening action. This intermediate mechanism multiplies the applied force, allowing hand-tightening of high-torque fasteners without requiring the user to directly apply excessive force to the fastener itself.
3Reliability
If additional tools are required for implement changes, then the fastening is secure, but the operation becomes inconvenient and impractical in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system performs multiple functions automatically: tightening through gear amplification, locking through the pawl-ratchet mechanism, and preventing reverse rotation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to carry or access additional tools, making the system adaptable to harsh environments where tool availability is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges fastening, locking, and reverse-rotation prevention functions into a single integrated mechanism. This consolidation maintains the security and reliability of traditional fastening systems while eliminating the need for multiple separate tools, thereby improving versatility in harsh operating conditions.
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
Enables users to easily and securely attach or detach implements without additional tools, providing a mechanical advantage to overcome torque challenges and ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
force amplified fastener assemblies with planetary or cycloidal gearing within a hand graspable housing, providing a mechanical advantage for manual tightening and loosening of fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods which provide force amplified fastener assemblies configured for use with respect to detachable implements for power tools are described. Force amplified fastener assemblies may implement various gear train configurations for giving a mechanical advantage with respect to manual manipulation of the fastener assembly. A force amplified fastener assembly may include a lock mechanism operative to lock and/or unlock the force amplified fastener assembly and thus a fastening element thereof. In some examples, a force amplified fastener assembly may include a grasping member assembly for facilitating manual application of torque. Additionally or alternatively, a force amplified fastener assembly may include a removable and replaceable external surface covering configured to protect at least a portion of the force amplified fastener assembly. Force amplified fastener assemblies of embodiments of the invention may be utilized in place of a conventional lock nut for affixing detachable implements to power tools.