Quick-Release Mandrel Assembly With Spring-Biased Accessory Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held rotary tools require additional tools or complex mechanisms to securely attach and detach accessories, adding weight, complexity, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A mandrel assembly with a quick-connect/quick-release mechanism using clamping jaws and a spring-biased collar for easy attachment and detachment of accessories without the need for additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded aperture with clamping screw is used to secure the accessory to the mandrel, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring an additional tool
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel assembly performs the clamping function itself through the spring-biased collar that automatically exerts clamping force on the accessory. The system is self-regulating with the spring providing continuous pressure without requiring external tools or additional components to maintain the clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the clamping screw component from the system. By using a spring-biased collar that directly contacts and clamps the accessory, the design removes the need for threaded apertures and separate fastening elements, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If a quick connection clamp with lever mechanism is used to secure the accessory, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the lever mechanism from the system. Instead of using a complex quick-connect clamp with moving lever parts, the design employs a simple spring-biased collar that provides automatic clamping through elastic deformation, eliminating multiple components and simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter from mechanical lever movement to elastic deformation. The spring-biased collar uses material elasticity and spring force parameters to achieve clamping, replacing the need for lever arms, hinges, and complex joint mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If traditional clamping mechanisms with multiple components are used, then the connection stability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates multiple heavy components including threaded apertures, clamping screws, and lever mechanisms. The remaining structure consists primarily of the mandrel body and a simple spring-biased collar, dramatically reducing the total component count and associated weight while maintaining secure accessory attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the collar and spring into an integrated clamping system where the spring is housed within or attached to the collar structure. This consolidation combines multiple functions (collar positioning, spring force application, and clamping action) into a single unified component, reducing overall weight compared to separate discrete parts.
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
Provides a reliable and stable connection between the rotary tool and accessories, allowing for quick and easy mounting and demounting without additional tools, reducing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an outer elastic member that extends between the mandrel first end and the collar inner shoulder and biases the collar first end away from the mandrel second end
Implementation Method 2
The spring arm is configured to elastically deflect relative to the base in a direction perpendicular to the mandrel longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A mandrel assembly may be used with a rotary power tool to provide a reliable and stable connection between the rotary tool and a tool accessory. The mandrel assembly provides a quick-connect/quick-release connection between the tool output shaft and the accessory via a clamping action. In particular, the mandrel assembly is operable to clamp the accessory between elastic clamping jaws that protrude from one end of the mandrel and a collar which surrounds the mandrel and is spring-biased toward the mandrel end.