Magnetic Guard and Adaptor Interface for Versatile Power Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools are limited in their versatility as they typically have tool holders that can only retain accessory tools designed for specific functions, restricting the types of jobs they can perform and preventing the use of accessory tools from other types of tools.

Innovation Solution

A portable power tool design featuring a magnetically attracted attachment interface that allows for the secure retention of various accessory tools, including adaptors that enable the use of different types of tools, such as grinding/cutting discs and router bits, by utilizing a housing interface with permanent magnets and ferromagnetic structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tool holder is designed to retain specific accessory tools for a particular function, then the reliability and performance for that specific function is improved, but the adaptability to perform other types of jobs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability for specific functionVSAvoidadaptability to perform different jobs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of accessory tools through magnetic attraction. The housing interface includes magnetic structures that can retain various accessory tools including grinding discs, cutting tools, and router bits, allowing a single power tool to perform multiple different jobs reliably

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

2Reliability

If a tool holder is designed to securely retain accessory tools during operation, then the reliability of tool retention is improved, but the ease of quick attachment and detachment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool retention securityVSAvoidease of quick attachment and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, clips, or bayonet mounts) is replaced with a magnetic retention system. The magnetic structures in the housing interface provide secure retention during operation through magnetic attraction forces, while allowing tools to be attached or detached simply by bringing them near the interface, eliminating the need for manual fastening or unfastening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances the versatility of power tools by allowing the use of a variety of accessory tools and guards/guides, expanding their capabilities and ease of use by enabling quick attachment and detachment of different attachments during operation.

Implementation Method 1

The attachment interface and the housing interface are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other with sufficient force to retain the attachment on the nose portion of the housing during normal operating conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3616847B1Guard and adaptor for power tools
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3616847B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3616847B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3616847B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A portable power tool includes a housing, a motor enclosed within the housing, an accessory tool holder secured to the output shaft of the motor, and an attachment interface on a nose portion near the accessory tool holder. An attachment is configured to attached and removed from the nose portion of the housing. The attachment includes a housing interface that is configured to interact with the attachment interface to position the attachment at a predetermined position on the nose portion of the housing. The attachment interface and the housing interface are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other with sufficient force to retain the attachment on the nose portion of the housing during normal operating conditions while allowing the attachment to be removed from the nose portion of the housing by hand by the operator.