Motorized Power Tool Chuck with Pivot Lock for Automatic Bit Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power tool chucks require significant rotation of the collet member to accommodate bits of different diameters, making frequent changes inconvenient and bit security dependent on user strength, as they are typically hand-tightened.
Innovation Solution
A power tool with a chuck and locking mechanism featuring a pivotally coupled first lock structure and a second lock structure, allowing for controlled rotation of the chuck body relative to the sleeve, enabling precise bit engagement and disengagement without manual force, using a motor-driven spindle and locking features to manage bit size changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the collet member is rotated to accommodate bits of significantly different diameters, then the chuck can accommodate various bit sizes, but the amount of rotation required is considerable making frequent changes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the chuck system adjustable and adaptable through motorized rotation. The chuck can dynamically adjust its state between locked and unlocked positions, and the motor enables rapid repositioning to accommodate different bit diameters without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between versatility and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rotation system with an automated motorized system. The motor automatically rotates the collet member to the appropriate position for the desired bit diameter, eliminating the need for manual rotation and significantly reducing the time required for bit changes while maintaining the ability to accommodate various bit sizes.
2Device complexity
If the chuck is hand-tightened, then the structure remains simple, but the amount of force that secures a bit within a chuck is dependent upon the strength of the person using the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating a motor that automatically performs the tightening function. The motor-driven system self-adjusts to apply the necessary force to secure the bit, eliminating dependence on user strength while maintaining consistent bit retention. The system serves itself by detecting and correcting the tightening state without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tightening system with an automated motorized system. The motor provides consistent and reliable tightening force regardless of user strength variations, ensuring reliable bit retention while adding only minimal complexity through the motor component and control mechanism.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the chuck, then bit retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing motorized rotation system. The locking mechanism is integrated into the chuck body and works in conjunction with the motor, combining multiple functions (rotation, positioning, and locking) into a unified system that improves bit security without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking feature acts as an intermediary between the motorized rotation system and the bit retention function. It provides a reliable locking interface that ensures secure bit retention while being controlled by the existing motor system, adding minimal complexity by serving as a mediator component rather than a fully independent system.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool having a tool portion, a chuck and a lock. The tool portion has a housing, a motor, and a spindle driven by the motor. The chuck has a body coupled to the spindle for rotation therewith, and a sleeve rotatably disposed about the body. The lock has a first lock structure pivotally coupled to the housing about a pivot axis, and a second lock structure. The first lock structure has a first locking feature. The second lock structure has a second locking feature and is coupled to the sleeve for rotation therewith. Pivoting the first lock structure into a first pivot position positions the first locking feature in a rotational path of the second locking feature. Engagement of the first and second locking features inhibits rotation of the sleeve so that rotation of the spindle will cause corresponding rotation of the body relative to the sleeve.