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 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 for rotational fixation and a mating geometry for tool compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure accessories, then the attachment is reliable and secure, but the accessory exchange process becomes complex and requires secondary tools
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is actuated directly by the user's hand motion on the trigger guard, eliminating the need for separate fastening tools. The trigger mechanism itself serves the dual purpose of both actuating the oscillating mechanism and securing the accessory through the clamp member, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is merged with the existing trigger mechanism. The trigger guard serves both as the actuator for the oscillating mechanism and as the control interface for the clamp member that secures the accessory. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fastening operations and secondary tools.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure accessories, then the attachment is secure, but the device complexity increases due to additional fasteners and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary fastening tools (screwdrivers, wrenches) are completely extracted from the system. The fastening function is achieved through the integrated trigger mechanism and clamp member, eliminating the need for external fastening devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism serves multiple functions: it actuates the oscillating mechanism and simultaneously controls the clamp member that secures the accessory. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the fastening system, simplifying the overall device.
3Productivity
If a clamp member actuated by the trigger mechanism is used, then the accessory exchange is quick and tool-free, but the clamping force must be sufficient to maintain secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member features a curved or contoured clamping surface that conforms to the shape of the accessory. This curvature distributes the clamping force more effectively across the contact area, maintaining secure attachment while allowing quick actuation through the trigger mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member and trigger mechanism are designed with materials and structural features that maximize mechanical advantage. The combination of material properties and geometric design ensures that the clamping force generated by the user's trigger pull is sufficient to securely hold the accessory during operation.
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.