Modular Handheld Tool Coupling for Tool-Less Multi-Function Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular handheld electric tool systems lack improvements in versatility, cost-effectiveness, and storage efficiency, as they require multiple components and tools for assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular handheld electric tool system comprising a handle, motor module, and tool heads with tool-less mechanical couplings, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, reducing component replication, and enabling multiple functions with a single motor module, thereby minimizing manufacturing costs and enhancing storage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular tool system with multiple components is used to provide versatility, then the ability to perform different functions is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor module is designed with a universal interface that can connect to multiple different tool heads, allowing a single motor module to perform multiple functions. The standardized mechanical and electrical couplings enable the same motor module to drive various accessories such as drill bits, saw blades, sanding pads, and polishing wheels, eliminating the need for separate motor modules for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool system is divided into separate modular components: a handle module, a motor module, and multiple tool heads. Each component can be independently manufactured, maintained, and replaced. The tool heads can be attached and detached from the motor module without tools, allowing users to quickly switch between different functions by simply changing the tool head.
2Reliability
If separate conventional power tools are manufactured for each function, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate conventional power tools for each function, the system uses a single universal motor module that can drive multiple tool heads. This reduces the quantity of tools from several separate power tools to one multi-functional system, while still providing function-specific optimization through dedicated tool heads for drilling, cutting, sanding, polishing, and other functions.
3Ease of operation
If modular components are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then storage space is reduced and convenience is improved, but the connection strength and rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling between the tool head and motor module is designed as a self-locking mechanism that does not require tools for assembly or disassembly. The user simply pushes the tool head onto the motor module, and the coupling automatically locks into place through spring-loaded latches or snap-fit mechanisms. The electrical contacts are simultaneously engaged through the same pushing motion, providing both mechanical and electrical connections without requiring separate tooling.
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 system achieves increased versatility, cost-effectiveness, and improved storage by allowing multiple tool functions with a single motor module, simplifying assembly and maintenance, and reducing storage size while maintaining strength and rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
a motor module including a motor casing that holds an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
the tool-head-to-motor mechanical coupling is a push-and-turn coupling, wherein complementary couplers, disposed on the motor casing and tool body, are mutually connected by relative movement along the axis between the tool head and motor module, followed by relative rotation about the axis between the tool head and motor module
Data Source
AI summary
A modular handheld electric tool system comprises a handle, a motor module and a tool head. The handle includes a handle housing with an elongate portion configured to provide a grip, a handle electrical coupling on the handle housing, a circuit including a tool switch in the handle housing, the tool switch connected between a power supply and the handle electrical coupling. The motor module including a motor casing that holds an electric motor, a motor electrical coupling on the motor casing that is complementary to the handle electrical coupling and electrically connected to the electric motor, and a rotary output mounted to the motor casing and driven by the electric motor. At least one tool head is releasably attachable both to the motor module via a tool-less tool-head-to-motor mechanical coupling, and to the handle via a tool-less tool-head-to-handle mechanical coupling, the tool head including an accessory and tool body wherein, to supply torque to the accessory from the electric motor, a rotary input mounted to the tool body engages the rotary output of the motor module.