Offset Handle Screwdriver with Rotating Bit Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screwdrivers lack an efficient and compact built-in bit storage solution that allows easy access and rotation of bits without axial movement, leading to a cumbersome design and imbalance.

Innovation Solution

A screwdriver design featuring a housing with a motor and handle section at an offset angle, a rotatable bit holder with detents and a pin for positional engagement, and a movable cover for accessible bit retainers, allowing for compact on-board bit storage and balanced ergonomics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bit holder is necessarily located towards the front of the screwdriver between the transmission and the output shaft, then the bit storage is accessible, but the screwdriver becomes top-heavy and unbalanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit accessibilityVSAvoidweight distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the bit holder from the traditional front position (between transmission and output shaft) to the rear of the screwdriver, utilizing the unused space in the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional repositioning maintains bit accessibility while achieving balanced weight distribution and ergonomic handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Weight of moving object

If a bit holder is located at the rear of the screwdriver, then weight balance is improved, but bit accessibility and rotation control become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distributionVSAvoidbit rotation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spring-loaded detent mechanism that provides dynamic rotational control of the bit holder. The spring-loaded pin engages with detents on the bit holder circumference, allowing easy rotation to selected positions while maintaining secure positioning. This dynamic mechanism compensates for the rear location disadvantage and enables intuitive bit selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded detent mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's rotational input and the bit holder positioning. It provides tactile feedback and controlled engagement, making rear-mounted bit selection as easy as front-mounted designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bit holder is rotatable with multiple detents, then bit selection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit selection optionsVSAvoidbit holder mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bit holder into a rotatable section with multiple detents, each corresponding to a specific bit orientation. This segmentation allows independent rotation of the bit holder without affecting other screwdriver components, providing versatile bit selection while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3170623B1Power driven screwdriver
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP3170623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3170623B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3170623B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A screwdriver includes a housing with a handle section and a motor housing section. A longitudinal axis of the handle section is at a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the motor housing section. A motor is housed in the motor housing section. An output tool holder is selectively driven by the motor. A user actuatable trigger activates the motor. The screwdriver further includes a bit holder rotatably held on the housing, the bit holder including a first section which includes a plurality of bit retainers; and a second section including a plurality of detents. The screwdriver further includes a pin which engages with the plurality of detents to hold the bit holder in one of a plurality of rotational positions.