Electric Power Tool Bit Storage Between Base and Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power tools with removable object sensors, like drill bits, are prone to falling off during use due to unexpected impacts from collisions with surrounding objects.
Innovation Solution
An electric power tool design that includes a bit storage portion between the base and battery pack, with the bit's longitudinal axis aligned with the sliding direction of the battery pack, and uses the battery pack as a lid to cover the storage space, reducing the risk of the bit falling off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drill bit is stored uncovered in the tray, then the storage structure is simple and easy to access, but the drill bit is likely to fall off during machining when subjected to unexpected impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cover member that can be flexibly opened and closed to cover the bit storage tray. This cover acts as a protective shell that prevents bits from falling off while allowing easy access when opened, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and retention stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit storage system is divided into separate functional components: the tray for storage and the cover for protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the tray provides easy access while the cover provides protection against impacts, together resolving the contradiction.
2Reliability
If a cover is added to protect the drill bit in the tray, then the bit retention stability is improved, but the storage structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member serves multiple functions: it protects bits from impacts, prevents loss during machining, and can be integrated with the tool housing structure. By making the cover multi-functional and integrating it with existing structures, the patent improves bit retention without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is merged with the tool housing structure, where the housing itself serves as part of the protective cover. This integration reduces the need for separate protective components, improving bit retention while minimizing the increase in structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the bit storage portion covers the space between the base and battery pack, then the bit is protected from falling off, but the space for battery pack attachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bit storage tray is positioned in the vertical space between the base and battery pack attachment area, utilizing the Z-dimension rather than competing for horizontal space. This dimensional arrangement allows the battery pack to attach horizontally while the tray vertically utilizes the gap space, protecting bits without reducing battery pack attachment volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit storage tray is nested within the tool housing structure, utilizing the vertical gap between components. This nesting approach allows the tray to occupy otherwise wasted space without interfering with the battery pack's attachment area, achieving both bit protection and space efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric power tool (1) that reduces the chances of a bit (18) stored falling off from the tool (1). An electric power tool (1) according to an embodiment includes a motor (11), a bit mounting portion (12), a body (14), a handle (15), a base (30), and a bit storage portion (60). The bit mounting portion (12) may mount a bit (18) thereon. The body (14) houses the motor (11) therein and includes the bit mounting portion (12). The handle (15) is extended from the body (14). The base (30) is provided for the handle (15). A battery pack (31) may be attached to the base (30) by allowing the battery pack (31) slide on the base (30). The bit storage portion (60) may store the bit (18) therein. The bit storage portion (60) covers a space left between the base (30) and the battery pack (31) attached to the base (30). The bit (18) stored in the bit storage portion (60) is arranged to have its longitudinal axis (G) aligned with a sliding direction (S) in which the battery pack (31) slides.