Interchangeable Gearing Units for Power Tool Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power tools with fixed reduction gearing are limited in versatility, requiring multiple tools with different gear ratios for various operations, leading to a costly arsenal of equipment.

Innovation Solution

A power tool with interchangeable reduction gearing units, each with distinct gear ratios, torque levels, and speed levels, featuring an electronic identification system and operation control mechanism to ensure compatibility and optimal parameter settings for specific tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a power tool is equipped with a fixed reduction gearing unit, then the tool structure is simple and reliable, but the tool can only perform operations with a specific output speed and torque level, limiting versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reduction gearing system is segmented into separate, interchangeable gearing units that can be detached and replaced. Each gearing unit has a specific gear ratio optimized for different working operations, allowing the tool to adapt to various torque and speed requirements without redesigning the entire tool structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power tool is designed with a universal docking means that can accommodate multiple types of reduction gearing units. This allows a single tool to perform multiple functions by simply changing the gearing unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools for different operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power tools with different reduction gearings are provided for different operations, then each tool is optimized for its specific function, but the cost and number of tools required increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single power tool body with a universal docking interface can accept multiple interchangeable reduction gearing units, each optimized for different operations. This multi-functionality allows one tool to replace several specialized tools, reducing the total number of tools needed in the arsenal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for the discarding of specific gearing units after use and recovery of the same unit for future operations. Gearing units can be swapped out when not needed and stored for later use, enabling flexible resource management without permanently owning multiple tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable reduction gearing units are provided, then the tool can perform multiple operations with varying torque and speed requirements, but the device complexity and initial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex gearing system is divided into modular, standardized units with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation allows the complexity to be managed through standardization, where each module is simple in itself but combines to provide versatile functionality when attached to the power tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If different reduction gearing units are used for different operations, then optimal performance for each operation is achieved, but the time and effort required to switch between tools increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidtool switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-release mechanism divides the gearing unit into separable components with standardized connection points, enabling rapid attachment and detachment without complex alignment procedures. This reduces the time penalty for switching between different gearing units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking means and connection interfaces are pre-configured with alignment features and guide structures that automatically position the gearing unit correctly during attachment. This preliminary design of the connection system eliminates the need for manual alignment and reduces switching time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2079562B1Power tool with exchangeable reduction gearing unit.

Publication Date: 2019.10.16 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT

Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4

AI summary

A power tool comprises a power unit (10) with a rotation motor, and a reduction gearing, wherein the reduction gearing comprises a set of interchangeable gearing units (16 a-c) attachable one at a time to the power unit (10) and having all different operational characteristics like different total gear ratio and torque capacity. Each gearing unit has an electronic identification device (48) programmed with data specific for each gearing unit, such as total gear ratio, torque range, and relating to compatibility of the gearing unit with a certain power unit. The power unit (10) comprises an electronic operation control means programmed with a number of different operation parameter sets each intended for a specific one of the gearing units (16 a-c), and a circuit for communicating with a gearing unit attached to the power unit to determine whether there is compatibility and which parameter set is applicable.