Oscillating Tool Clamp Assembly for Tool-Free Accessory Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power hand tools require the use of secondary tools like hand screwdrivers or wrenches to swap out accessories, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A clamp arrangement with a first and second clamp member and a lever mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment of accessories to an oscillating power tool, using a fastener to secure the clamp assembly to the tool's output member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure accessories to power tools, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the accessory exchange process becomes complex and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into two functional parts: a fixed clamp member attached to the tool and a movable clamp member that slides along the accessory. This segmentation allows the accessory to be quickly engaged and disengaged by simply moving the movable clamp member, eliminating the need for additional tools while maintaining secure attachment through the cooperative action of both clamp members
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a simple sliding motion. The movable clamp member engages with the fixed clamp member through direct contact and friction, allowing the user to secure or release the accessory by simply sliding the movable member along the accessory without requiring any additional fastening tools or complex operations
2Reliability
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure accessories to power tools, then the connection is stable, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed clamp member is pre-positioned on the tool and the movable clamp member is pre-configured to slide along the accessory. When the accessory needs to be exchanged, the user simply needs to slide the movable clamp member into engagement with the fixed clamp member, creating an immediate stable connection without requiring any preliminary tool preparation or complex assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a static fastening system to a dynamic sliding system. The movable clamp member can freely slide along the accessory to quickly engage or disengage from the fixed clamp member, enabling rapid accessory exchange while maintaining connection stability through the friction and geometric engagement between the two clamp members during operation
3Ease of operation
If simple clamp mechanisms are used for accessory attachment, then the exchange process is quick and easy, but the clamping force and security may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed clamp member and movable clamp member work together in combination to create a powerful clamping action. The fixed clamp member provides a stable anchor point on the tool while the movable clamp member applies clamping force through direct contact with the accessory. The merging of these two clamp members creates a synergistic effect that generates sufficient clamping force to securely hold the accessory during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members are designed with curved or rounded contact surfaces that conform to the shape of the accessory. This curvature increases the contact area between the clamp members and the accessory, distributing the clamping force more evenly and preventing slippage. The curved surfaces also facilitate the sliding motion of the movable clamp member while maintaining strong engagement
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 ergonomic exchange of accessories without the need for additional tools, providing a robust clamping action and allowing for various rotational orientations for optimal task performance.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp assembly including a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory. The first clamp member can move between a closed position wherein the clamp assembly retains the accessory and an open position wherein the first clamp member is offset from the accessory permitting removal
Implementation Method 2
A clamp arrangement with a first and second clamp member and a lever mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment of accessories to an oscillating power tool, using a fastener to secure the clamp assembly to the tool's output member
Implementation Method 3
using a fastener to secure the clamp assembly to the tool's output member
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using an oscillating accessory with an oscillating power tool may include providing an attachment member. The attachment member may include an attachment plate, a raised rim portion extending from the attachment plate, the raised rim having a central recess, a keyed sidewall with an at least partially star shape configured to be engaged by a first mating geometry of an oscillating power tool, and a top wall that includes a receiving portion having a plurality of recesses configured to be engaged by a second mating geometry of an oscillating power tool. The central recess may not be in communication with any of the plurality of recesses. The attachment member may be used to facilitate tool-free attachment of a working portion to the oscillating power tool via a clamp assembly having a first clamp member moveable relative to a second clamp member without use of a secondary tool.