Movable Clamp Assembly for Tool-Free Accessory Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillating handheld power tools require the use of secondary tools like screwdrivers or wrenches to swap accessories, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A clamp arrangement with a movable clamp assembly and an attachment plate featuring multiple mating geometries that can selectively and removably attach to different power tools, allowing for easy exchange of accessories without the need for additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a secondary tool (screwdriver or wrench) is used to swap accessories, then the accessory can be securely attached to the power tool, but the accessory change process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring any secondary tools. The user can directly manipulate the clamp member to release and reattach accessories, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for screwdrivers or wrenches during accessory changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member is designed with movable elements that can be easily actuated by hand to transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic design allows quick accessory changes while maintaining secure attachment during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of exchange and secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clamp member is designed to fit multiple power tool types, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of the mating geometries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment plate is designed with multiple distinct mating geometries that can selectively engage with different types of power tool interfaces. This universal design allows a single clamp assembly to be used across multiple power tool platforms, achieving versatility without requiring separate clamp assemblies for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating geometries are segmented as separate, interchangeable features on the attachment plate. This segmentation allows the plate to present different interface configurations as needed, enabling compatibility with various power tools while keeping the overall clamp assembly design manageable and not excessively complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamp arrangement for securing an accessory tool to a power tool, the clamp arrangement comprising a clamp assembly comprising a first clamp member and a second clamp member, the first clamp member arranged to move relative to the second clamp member between a closed position of the clamp assembly wherein the clamp assembly is arranged to retain an accessory tool, and an open position of the clamp assembly wherein the first clamp member is spaced apart from the second clamp member and thus the clamp assembly is arranged to permit removal of the accessory tool while the first clamp member remains coupled to the remainder of the clamp assembly; and an attachment plate that carries the clamp assembly, the attachment plate having a first mating configuration detail formed thereon for making with an output member of a power tool to fix the clamp arrangement to the output member of the power tool.