Handheld Tool Connector with Resilient Locking for Angular Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for coupling a particle outlet of a handheld machine tool to a particle receiving device face a trade-off between easy angular position adjustment and reliable, secure positioning, with non-adjustable connectors providing stability but lacking flexibility, and adjustable connectors compromising on security.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a resilient coupling system allowing angular adjustment through a locking mechanism that can be selectively locked or unlocked, combining easy positioning with secure locking, using engagement geometries and counter-geometries to define predefined angular positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a connector provides angular adjustability through resilient coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to compromised positioning security

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position adjustmentVSAvoidpositioning security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs a resilient coupling mechanism that allows the engagement section to dynamically move relative to the body section, enabling the connector to be manually turned to different angular positions. This dynamic capability provides ease of operation for angular adjustment while maintaining the ability to secure positions when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient coupling changes the physical state of the engagement section from fixed to movable, allowing it to be displaced angularly relative to the body section. This parameter change enables the connector to transition between adjustable and locked states, resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and positioning security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a non-adjustable connector is used, then reliability is improved through secure positioning, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of angular adjustment capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position stabilityVSAvoidangular position adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector transitions from a static, non-adjustable design to a dynamic design where the engagement section can move relative to the body section. This enables angular adjustment while maintaining the ability to lock positions, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector combines multiple functions: it can be adjusted to different angular positions and then locked securely. This multi-functionality allows it to serve both as an adjustable connector and a secure locking mechanism, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual turning of the connector is enabled for angular adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position adjustabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into distinct sections: the body section and the engagement section resiliently coupled together. This segmentation allows the engagement section to move independently for adjustment while the body section remains stable, enabling simple manual operation without complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient coupling provides self-limiting movement through the engagement geometry and engagement counter-geometry, which naturally define angular positions without requiring additional locking components. The system serves itself by using the resilient deformation to control the adjustment range, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 connector enables easy angular adjustment and secure locking, ensuring the particle receiving device is positioned optimally without interference, enhancing operational safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

the engagement section (40) is resiliently coupled to the body section (38)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4640120A1Connector for coupling a particle outlet of a handheld machine tool to a particle receiving device, handheld machine tool, handheld machine tool assembly, and method
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP4640120A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4640120A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4640120A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A connector (20) for coupling a particle outlet (18) of a handheld machine tool (12) to a particle receiving device is described. The connector (20) comprises a tube-shaped inlet portion (34) extending along an inlet axis (34a) and a tube-shaped outlet portion (84) extending along an outlet axis (84a). The tube-shaped outlet portion (84) is configured for coupling to the particle receiving device. The inlet portion (34) comprises a body section and an engagement section, wherein the engagement section is resiliently coupled to the body section. The engagement section comprises an engagement geometry configured for mating with an engagement counter-geometry provided on the particle outlet (18), such that a positive locking effective along a circumferential direction is provided between the engagement geometry and the engagement counter-geometry. Moreover, a locking means (62) is coupled to the inlet portion (34). The locking means (62) is configured for selectively blocking a movement of the engagement section relative to the body section. Moreover, a handheld machine tool (12), a handheld machine tool assembly (10), and a method for operating a handheld machine tool assembly (10) are presented.