Power Tool Chuck with Two-Stage Clamping for Higher Bit Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tool chucks suffer from insufficient holding force on tool bits and increased overall axial length, which affects the efficiency and usability of power tools.
Innovation Solution
A power tool chuck design featuring a chuck body with a longitudinal bore and radial slots, incorporating jaw assemblies and a clamping ring with distinct clamping interfaces. The clamping ring and jaw assemblies work together to apply a first clamping force followed by a second, greater force, utilizing different angles and a detent mechanism to enhance holding capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing chuck designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the holding force on tool bits is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck is divided into multiple functional components: a body, a rotatable clamping ring, and multiple jaw assemblies. Each component performs a specific function, with the clamping ring providing rotational control and the jaw assemblies providing clamping force through inclined surfaces. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high holding force while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assemblies incorporate inclined surfaces that convert the rotational motion of the clamping ring into radial clamping motion. The curved geometry of these inclined surfaces enables smooth, progressive engagement of the jaws with the tool bit, maximizing holding force through mechanical advantage while keeping the overall structure compact.
2Length of moving object
If existing chuck designs are used, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the overall axial length is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assemblies are nested within radial slots in the chuck body, and the clamping ring is received over the body and jaw assemblies. This nested arrangement allows all components to occupy a compact axial space, significantly reducing the overall axial length of the chuck while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the clamping mechanism axially, the invention utilizes radial dimensions by positioning jaw assemblies in radial slots and employing inclined surfaces that act in the radial direction. This dimensional shift reduces axial length while achieving the required clamping function through radial engagement.
3Reliability
If a single-stage clamping mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the holding capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assemblies are pre-positioned in radial slots with inclined surfaces that are already configured to engage the tool bit. As the clamping ring rotates, the inclined surfaces automatically guide the jaws into proper engagement position and apply clamping force progressively, ensuring reliable holding capability without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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
The design achieves improved holding force and reduced axial length, enhancing the performance and usability of power tools by securely retaining tool bits and minimizing the tool's overall length.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping ring and each jaw assembly together define a first clamping interface configured to cause the jaw assembly to clamp the tool bit a first clamping force up to a first maximum clamping force during a first phase of clamping, and a second clamping interface configured to cause the jaw assembly to clamp the tool bit at a second clamping force that is greater than the first maximum clamping force during a second phase of clamping.
Data Source
AI summary
A chuck including a chuck body that supports a plurality of jaws. An outer sleeve is axially fixed with respect to the chuck body. A nut is coupled to the outer sleeve, and the nut is movable axially and radially relative to the chuck body. The nut interacts with the jaws such that when the outer sleeve rotates, the nut moves axially and radially relative to the body.