Oscillating Tool Clamp Assembly for Secure Tool-Free Accessory Swaps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Power hand tools require the use of secondary tools to swap out accessories, such as hand screw drivers or wrenches, to lock and unlock accessories, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

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 and secure attachment and detachment of accessories without the need for additional tools, using a threaded fastener to fix the assembly to the output member of the power tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure accessories, then the accessory is securely retained, but a secondary tool is required to exchange accessories

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessory exchange convenienceVSAvoidFastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp member is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring any secondary tools. The user can directly engage and disengage the clamp member to attach and remove accessories, making the system self-servicing for the attachment operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening function is segmented into a movable clamp member and a stationary clamp body. The clamp member can independently move between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the accessory attachment function to be separated from the tool body while maintaining secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a simple clamp mechanism is used, then accessory exchange is quick and easy, but the clamping force and security may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessory exchange speedVSAvoidAccessory retention security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp member is designed to move dynamically between an engaged position (providing secure clamping force) and a disengaged position (allowing quick accessory removal). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between high reliability and high productivity states as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp member includes a curved or cammed surface that, when moved, converts small user input motion into large clamping force. This mechanical advantage allows a simple manual operation to generate sufficient retention force for secure accessory attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If multiple clamp members are used to improve clamping action, then accessory security increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveClamping action robustnessVSAvoidClamp assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple clamping functions are merged into a single movable clamp member that works in conjunction with the stationary clamp body. The clamp member integrates both the actuating mechanism and the clamping surfaces, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining robust multi-directional clamping action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 exchange of accessories on oscillating power tools, providing a robust clamping action without the need for additional tools, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using a threaded fastener to fix the assembly to the output member of the power tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded fastener mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a clamp assembly including a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory... and a second clamp member having a first portion that opposes the first clamp member and cooperates with the first clamp member to clamp the accessory between the first and second clamp members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical clamping force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20230081102A1Oscillating tool

Publication Date: 2023.03.16 BLACK & DECKER CORP

AI summary

A clamp arrangement for securing an accessory to an oscillating power tool can include a clamp assembly including a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory between a closed position wherein the clamp assembly retains the accessory and an open position wherein the first clamp is offset from the accessory permitting removal of the first accessory from the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly can further comprise a second clamp member having a first portion that opposes the first clamp member and cooperates with the first clamp member to clamp the accessory between the first and second clamp members. An attachment plate can carry the clamp assembly. The attachment plate can have a first mating detail formed thereon that is configured to selectively and removably mate with a complementary second mating detail on the power tool in an assembled position.