Keyless Chuck Assembly for Tool-Free Router Bit Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tool bit holders for woodworking routers require separate tools to tighten or loosen the nut, necessitating frequent tool changes and inefficiencies in bit attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A keyless chuck design featuring a knob adjustable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing manual tool bit attachment and detachment without tools, utilizing a hub, collet, and ball bearings to apply and relieve clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a nut and wrench system is used to secure the tool bit, then the tool bit can be firmly retained, but separate tools are required to tighten or loosen the nut, necessitating frequent tool changes and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the wrench mechanism from the system by integrating the tightening function directly into the chuck body through a cam lever. The cam lever acts as a built-in tool that replaces the external wrench, allowing the user to tighten and loosen the tool bit holder without needing separate wrenches, thereby eliminating tool changes and improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the chuck body, tool bit holder, and tightening mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The cam lever is directly attached to the chuck body, combining what were previously separate components (chuck, holder, and tightening tool) into one unified device that can be operated with a single tool-free motion
2Reliability
If a nut and wrench system is used, then secure retention of the tool bit is achieved, but the device requires multiple separate components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into fewer components. The cam lever integrates the tightening function into the chuck body itself, eliminating the need for a separate nut and wrench. The tool bit holder is directly mounted to the cam lever mechanism, creating a compact assembly where the chuck body, holder, and tightening mechanism form an integrated unit, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever serves multiple functions: it acts as both the tightening mechanism and the holder mounting structure. By making the cam lever directly attachable to the chuck body, it becomes a multi-functional component that replaces both the nut and wrench, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to securely retain the tool bit
Data Source
AI summary
A keyless chuck for attaching a tool bit to a power tool includes a knob having a central aperture and defining a longitudinal axis, a hub within the central aperture and configured to attach to the power tool, and a collet within the hub and having a receiving end configured to receive the tool bit. The knob is adjustable between a locked position in which a clamping force is applied to the collet to retain the tool bit therein, and an unlocked position in which the clamping force is relieved to permit removal of the tool bit.