Impact Rotation Tool Switching Mechanism Stopper Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing impact rotation tools can shorten the life of the stopper due to excessive force from the coupling member, caused by friction and manufacturing or assembly errors, leading to premature wear.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a relief in the drive shaft hole to reduce contact area with the coupling member and using an elastic member between the coupling member and the stopper to absorb forces, preventing excessive load on the stopper and extending its lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the coupling member is engaged with the wall of the drive shaft hole to switch between impact mode and drill mode, then the switching mechanism can change operational modes, but friction and manufacturing errors cause excessive force on the stopper, shortening its life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidstopper life
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A resin layer is introduced as an intermediary between the coupling member and the drive shaft hole wall. This resin layer absorbs friction forces and manufacturing errors, preventing excessive forces from being transmitted to the stopper while still allowing the coupling member to engage and disengage for mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin layer is applied in advance to the drive shaft hole wall before assembling the coupling member. This pre-applied cushioning layer absorbs unexpected forces and friction that occur during operation, protecting the stopper from excessive loads before they can cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If a regulated clearance is provided between the drive shaft and anvil to permit axial movement during impact action, then the impact mode can function properly, but the coupling member may be strongly forced against the drive shaft hole wall due to friction and errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact action functionalityVSAvoidforce on coupling member
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The resin layer serves as a mediator between the coupling member and the drive shaft hole wall, absorbing the excessive forces generated during impact action while allowing the regulated clearance to function properly for axial movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin layer changes the friction parameters at the interface between the coupling member and drive shaft hole wall, reducing the coefficient of friction and absorbing force variations that occur during impact operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively reduces the force applied to the stopper, thereby prolonging its life and preventing premature wear, while maintaining the tool's operational efficiency in both impact and drill modes.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member between the coupling member and the stopper to absorb forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A hammer spring 85 urges the hammer 84 toward the anvil 82

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

friction would occur where the coupling member 93 contacts the wall of the drive shaft hole 91

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2712708B1Impact rotation tool
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2712708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2712708B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2712708B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

An impact rotation tool (1) includes a switching shaft (73) (73), which extends through a drive shaft (6), and a coupling member (72), which is coupled to the switching shaft (73). The switching shaft (73) moves the coupling member (72) to a position where the coupling member (72) is engaged with the wall of only the drive shaft hole (54) to switch the impact rotation tool (1) to an impact mode. The switching shaft (73) moves the coupling member (72) to a position where the coupling member (72) is engaged with the walls of both of the drive shaft hole (54) to switch the impact rotation tool (1) to a drill mode. The wall of the drive shaft hole (54) includes an engagement portion (75), which is engaged with the coupling member (72) in the impact mode, and a relief (76), which does not contact the outer circumferential surface of the coupling member (72) in the impact mode.