Power Tool Accessory Mount With Sliding Rails And Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools lack a versatile and efficient mechanism for attaching and detaching various tool accessories, which limits their functionality and usability.

Innovation Solution

The power tool assembly incorporates a reversible attachment mount with sliding rails and a latching mechanism, allowing for easy and secure attachment of different tool accessories, including those that require electrical connections and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed attachment method is used, then the power tool can maintain stable operation, but it cannot easily swap between different tool accessories

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to swap tool accessoriesVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mount is divided into separate functional components: a latching mechanism with movable and fixed latches, sliding rails, and electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified attachment system, enabling easy accessory swapping without requiring a completely complex redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mount is designed with universal functionality to accommodate different tool accessories through a standardized interface. The combination of mechanical latching, sliding rails, and electrical connections creates a multi-functional attachment system that can securely mount various accessories while providing both mechanical support and electrical connectivity, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the power tool structure remains simple, but it cannot provide secure attachment and data communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: mechanical latching for secure attachment, sliding rails for positional guidance, and electrical connections for power and data communication. This merging of functions into a unified attachment mount provides reliable and secure attachment while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mount acts as an intermediary between the power tool and various accessories, providing a standardized interface that ensures secure mechanical attachment through latching and rails while simultaneously enabling electrical connections for power and data communication. This intermediary role resolves the contradiction by creating a reliable connection system without requiring direct complex integration between the tool and each accessory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual attachment and detachment operations are required, then the structure remains simple, but operator fatigue increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory swapping efficiencyVSAvoidoperator effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a movable latch that can be easily actuated and a spring-loaded release system. This dynamic design allows the attachment and detachment operations to be performed with minimal operator effort through simple motions, significantly improving accessory swapping efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive mechanical feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism incorporates self-latching and self-locking features where the movable and fixed latches automatically engage when the accessory is properly positioned on the sliding rails. This self-service capability reduces the operator effort required for secure attachment while maintaining simple operation through automatic engagement, thereby improving productivity without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4549097A1Power tool with accessory attachment mount and accessory therefor

Publication Date: 2025.05.07 INGERSOLL RAND IND US INC

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AI summary

A power tool assembly includes a drive mechanism, a longitudinally extending housing, an electrical connection at the housing for receiving electrical energy, and an attachment mount on the housing for releasably attaching a tool accessory to the power tool assembly. The attachment mount includes electrical connections for mating electrical connectors of the tool accessory to furnish power and/or data transfer between the power tool and the tool accessory. The attachment mount includes at least one rail configured for sliding contact with at least a second rail of the tool accessory to restrict movement of the tool accessory, and a latching mechanism for releasably securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount. A tool accessory for releasably attaching to a power tool assembly includes electrical connectors for mating with electrical connections of an attachment mount, at least one rail, and a receiver for receiving a latching mechanism of the attachment mount.