Oscillating Tool Accessory Clamping Flange Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oscillating power tools require manual adjustment and fastening mechanisms for securing and releasing accessories, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An oscillating power tool with a pivotable clamping flange and actuator mechanism that allows for tool-free attachment and detachment of accessories by moving the accessory shaft between clamping and release positions, utilizing a biasing system to secure the accessory between the clamping flange and base flange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional fastening mechanisms (screws, manual adjustment) are used to secure accessories, then the accessory can be securely attached, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessory attachment and detachment operationVSAvoidTime required for accessory changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping flange is designed to be dynamically movable between a clamping position (where it secures the accessory) and a release position (where it allows accessory removal). This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for manual fastening operations, allowing users to simply move the flange to attach or detach accessories quickly without time-consuming screw operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member automatically applies clamping force to secure the accessory between the clamping flange and base flange without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using spring force to maintain the clamping action, eliminating the need for users to manually tighten or adjust fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual fastening mechanisms are used, then the accessory can be securely held, but the device complexity increases due to additional fastening components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFastening mechanism structureVSAvoidAccessory attachment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the traditional screw or manual fastening components from the accessory attachment system. By removing these complex fastening elements and replacing them with a simple movable clamping flange mechanism, the overall device complexity is reduced while simultaneously improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable clamping flange serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping action to secure the accessory, it acts as the release mechanism when moved to the release position, and it works in conjunction with the biasing member to maintain secure attachment. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate fastening components, simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 tool-free attachment and detachment of accessories, improving user convenience and efficiency by eliminating the need for manual fastening and adjusting mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member disposed between the accessory shaft and the base flange for urging the accessory shaft towards the base flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3216573B1Power tool with toolless blade release mechanism
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 TTI MACAO COMML OFFSHORE LTD
  • EP3216573B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3216573B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3216573B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An oscillating power tool (10) having a motor (20), a base flange (46) driven about an output axis by the motor, and an accessory shaft (40) movable relative to the base flange between a clamping position and a release position. A clamping flange (42) is pivotably coupled to the accessory shaft for clamping an accessory (38) in cooperation with the base flange.