Oscillating Tool Clamp Assembly for Tool-Free Accessory Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power hand tools require the use of secondary tools to swap out accessories, such as hand screwdrivers 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 fastener, allowing for easy and secure attachment and detachment of accessories without the need for additional tools, using a lever to pivot between closed and open positions for accessory exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure accessories, then the accessory attachment is reliable, but the accessory swapping requires secondary tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to be operated directly by the user's hand without requiring secondary tools. The first clamp member can be manually moved between closed and open positions to secure or release accessories, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for additional tools during accessory swapping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates a movable first clamp member that transitions between closed and open positions. This dynamic mechanism allows rapid adjustment and quick release of accessories, significantly reducing the time required for accessory exchange compared to static fastening systems
2Productivity
If a clamp assembly with movable clamp members is used, then accessory swapping is quick and tool-free, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a fixed second clamp member and a movable first clamp member. This segmentation allows the complex function of quick-release clamping to be achieved through simple, independent parts that can be manufactured and assembled easily, minimizing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity
3Strength
If multiple clamp members are used to secure the accessory, then the clamping action is robust and secure, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly utilizes a nested configuration where the movable first clamp member operates within the space defined by the fixed second clamp member. This nesting arrangement allows robust multi-point clamping to be achieved in a compact footprint, providing strong clamping force without significantly increasing the overall space occupied by the assembly
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 swapping of accessories on oscillating power tools, providing a robust clamping action with minimal space requirements and ergonomic user engagement, reducing the need for additional tools and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using a lever to pivot between closed and open positions for accessory exchange
Data Source
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.