Power Tool Accessory Brace With Removable Arm Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tool accessory systems face challenges in providing a secure and efficient method for removably and rigidly coupling accessories to a power tool housing while allowing for the rotation of the input shaft relative to the accessory housing.

Innovation Solution

A power tool accessory system that includes a brace with a clamp assembly and an arm assembly, allowing the accessory housing to be removably and rigidly coupled to the power tool housing while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing. The arm assembly is configured to be removable from the clamp assembly without the use of a secondary tool, enabling quick attachment and detachment of the power tool accessory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a brace is used to rigidly couple the accessory housing to the power tool housing, then the stability and rigidity of the accessory system is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of accessory couplingVSAvoidcomplexity of brace structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brace is divided into separate components: a clamp assembly that attaches to the power tool housing and an arm assembly that connects to the accessory housing. This segmentation allows the brace to be installed in sections, reducing the complexity of handling and installation while achieving the same rigid coupling effect when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arm assembly acts as an intermediary element between the clamp assembly and the accessory housing. It provides a flexible connection that can accommodate slight misalignments while maintaining rigid coupling, thereby reducing installation complexity without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the brace is designed to be removably coupled to allow accessory detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the rigid coupling may be worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessory removalVSAvoidreliability of rigid coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is pre-designed with quick-release mechanisms and alignment features that ensure the arm assembly can be rapidly attached and detached without compromising the integrity of the rigid coupling when engaged. The preliminary design of the coupling interfaces guarantees reliable connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The brace transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the arm assembly can be easily inserted and removed. When engaged, the arm assembly provides rigid coupling; when disengaged, it allows quick accessory changes. This dynamic capability maintains reliability during use while improving ease of operation during accessory changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the arm assembly is made removable from the clamp assembly without secondary tools, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of accessory attachment and detachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of quick-release mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-release mechanism is designed to be operated by the user without requiring secondary tools. The arm assembly incorporates self-contained release features that can be actuated directly by hand, enabling rapid accessory changes while avoiding the need for additional tools that would increase overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The complex quick-release mechanism is extracted and integrated specifically into the arm assembly-clamp interface, isolating the complexity to only where it is needed for rapid attachment/detachment. The rest of the brace structure remains simple and straightforward, balancing productivity improvement with minimal increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4549094A1Power tool accessory system with brace
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP4549094A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4549094A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4549094A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A power tool accessory system for a power tool includes a power tool accessory with a housing, an input shaft rotatably driven by a power tool, and a working tool driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. The system also includes a brace configured to removably couple the housing to the power tool while the input shaft rotates. The brace includes a clamp assembly configured to be fixedly coupled to a base of the power tool handle, and an arm assembly with a first end portion configured to be coupled to the housing and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly. The second end portion is removable from the clamp assembly while the clamp assembly remains fixedly coupled to the power tool to enable removal of the power tool accessory from the power tool.