Multi-bit Tool with Dual Socket and Eccentric Magazine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-bit tools are limited by the size of the bits stored, restricting the maximum hex drive size and often require specialized bits or complex mechanisms that are not compatible with power tools, making them unstable or incompatible with conventional bits.
Innovation Solution
A multi-bit tool design featuring a housing with two tool storage recesses, a rotating sleeve, and a bolt mechanism that allows selection and engagement of bits without removing them from storage, enabling a larger hex drive size and compatibility with both hand and power tools through a dual socket system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bits are stored in an eccentric magazine that rotates with the bit in use, then bit interchangeability is enabled, but the tool becomes unstable at speed when used with power tools
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into two independent rotational systems: an inner shaft that rotates with the bit for driving, and an outer eccentric magazine that rotates independently for bit selection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the stability of the other, resolving the contradiction between bit interchangeability and tool stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the magazine is kept stationary with the shaft driving the bit inside a sleeve, then tool stability is maintained, but specialized or proprietary bits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric magazine acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stationary outer housing and the rotating inner shaft. It transfers the rotational motion from the inner shaft to the selected bit in the magazine, enabling conventional bits to be used while maintaining tool stability through the stationary outer structure.
3Quantity of substance
If the maximum hex drive size is limited by the size of stored bits, then storage efficiency is improved, but the ability to drive larger fasteners is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The tool housing incorporates multiple drive sockets of different sizes (e.g., 1/4" hex and 5/16" hex) that can independently drive fasteners of different sizes. This multi-functionality allows the tool to handle a wider range of fastener sizes without being limited by the size of bits stored in the magazine, as the housing itself can directly drive larger fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-bit tool (1) including a housing (2) and a drive input shaft (3). The housing incorporates at least two storage recesses (5) accessible from outside the housing. The housing may include a first (6) and a second (7) socket, each axially aligned with the drive input shaft, the first socket being smaller than the second socket and positioned intermediate the second socket and the drive input shaft such that tool bits (4) driven by the first socket pass through the second socket to drivably engage with the first socket. It is preferable that the storage recesses communicate with a central bore to permit the active bit to be internally interchanged. To this end the housing may further incorporate a bore axially aligned with the drive input shaft and the first and second sockets. The tool may further include a sleeve (20) and bolt (21) assembly operable between a bit loading position and a working position, the bolt having a claw (35) to engage a waisted portion (15) of the tool bit, a flange portion (41) and a drive input portion being the drive input shaft (3). In use, the tool drives bits through the drive input shaft which receives drive input to the bolt part of the tool, the flange portion of the bolt driving the housing to thereby transmit the drive input to the first and second sockets of the housing.