Oscillating Tool Accessory Clamp for Tool-Free Changeover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power hand tools require the use of secondary tools to swap out accessories, such as cutting or sanding accessories, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, as they often necessitate the use of hand screw drivers or wrenches to unlock and lock accessories to the tool.
Innovation Solution
A clamp arrangement with a clamp assembly that includes a first and second clamp member, an attachment plate, and a lever, allowing for easy removal and installation of accessories by moving between closed and open positions, with a fastener that securely fixes the assembly to the tool's output member, and mating geometries that accommodate different tool configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure accessories to power tools, then the accessories are securely retained during operation, but the accessories require secondary tools (hand screw drivers or wrenches) for removal and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly enables self-service operation where the user can directly manipulate the clamp members to open and close the clamping action without requiring secondary tools. The first clamp member is movable relative to the accessory, allowing direct manual operation to release or secure the accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a movable first clamp member, a fixed second clamp member, and a biasing member. This segmentation allows the first clamp member to be independently actuated for tool-free operation while the second clamp member provides stable anchoring points.
2Productivity
If clamp members are used to provide easy accessory exchange, then tool-free removal and installation is achieved, but the clamping mechanism requires multiple components (first and second clamp members, biasing member)
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly merges multiple functions into a integrated unit: the first and second clamp members work together with the biasing member to provide both the clamping force and the release mechanism in a single assembly that attaches to the power tool output member.
Solution Approach 2:
The first clamp member is designed to be movable relative to the accessory, transitioning between open and closed positions. This dynamic component allows rapid accessory exchange while the biasing member automatically maintains the clamping force once closed.
3Reliability
If a secure clamping action is provided by the clamp assembly, then accessories are firmly retained during oscillating operation, but the clamp members require precise positioning and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second clamp members are positioned asymmetrically relative to the accessory, with the first clamp member movable along a path that naturally guides alignment. This asymmetric arrangement provides stable engagement while allowing easy manipulation of the movable clamp member.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically positions the first clamp member against the accessory when closed, providing self-alignment during the clamping action without requiring precise manual positioning by the user.
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
Enables quick and secure attachment and detachment of accessories without the need for additional tools, providing a robust clamping action and ergonomic ease of use, allowing for various rotational orientations and compatibility with multiple power tool types.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member located around the stem and configured for engaging the first clamp member and the attachment plate
Implementation Method 2
a cam body configured to engage the first clamp member and translate along the axis upon rotation in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for use with an oscillating power tool includes an attachment portion having a first planar member, a second planar member parallel to the first planar member, a central opening defined in one of the first planar member and the second planar member, a keyed sidewall disposed at least partially around the central opening and extending from the first planar member to the second planar member transverse to the first planar member and to the second planar member, and a plurality of equiangularly spaced recesses defined in one of the first planar member and the second planar member, the recesses spaced apart from the keyed sidewall and not in communication with the central opening. A working portion may be couplable to the attachment portion and configured to perform an operation on a workpiece.