Power Tool Chuck Light Holes Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tools often operate in substandard lighting conditions, making it difficult for users to adequately see the workpiece or work area, as existing technologies lack effective lighting features to illuminate the area being machined or worked on.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design incorporating a light array mounted to the housing, with light holes in the chuck body to transmit light and illuminate the work area, driven by a motor and activated by a switch, providing improved visibility in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power tools are used in substandard lighting conditions, then the power tool can operate in various environments, but the user cannot adequately see the workpiece or work area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the power tool by integrating a light array into the tool housing and a light transmission mechanism into the chuck assembly. This merging allows the power tool to provide its own illumination, enabling operation in dark environments without requiring separate lighting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light holes in the chuck body as an intermediary mechanism to transmit light from the light array to the work area. These light holes act as conduits that guide and direct illumination to where it is needed, solving the visibility problem while maintaining environmental adaptability.
2Illumination intensity
If a light array is added to the power tool housing, then work area illumination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck body is given multiple functions: it not only holds the workpiece via jaws but also transmits light through integrated light holes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmission mechanism is nested within the existing chuck structure. The light holes are formed as part of the chuck body itself, and the light array is mounted within the tool housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes additional complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If light holes are formed in the chuck body, then light transmission to the work area is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck body is designed with light holes that create a porous-like structure with multiple openings. While this does use a porous concept, it is applied to facilitate light transmission rather than filtration, and the holes are integrated into the casting or machining process to minimize manufacturing complexity.
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 solution enhances user visibility by illuminating the work area, allowing for effective operation in substandard lighting conditions, improving work efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Light emanating from the light array is transmitted through the light holes to illuminate a zone located in front of the chuck body
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool with a chuck and a tool body having a housing, a motor received in the housing, a light array mounted to the housing, and an output spindle extending through the light array and which is rotationally driven by the motor. The chuck has a chuck body, a plurality of jaws, and an outer sleeve. A rear end of the chuck body is rotatably mounted on the output spindle. The chuck body has a plurality of jaw apertures and a plurality of light holes. The jaw apertures and the light holes extend through a front surface of the chuck body. Each of the jaws is received in a corresponding one of the jaw apertures. The outer sleeve is disposed about the jaws and the chuck body. Light emanating from the light array is transmitted through the light holes to illuminate a zone in front of the chuck body.