Power Tool Clamping Mechanism for Rapid Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools require additional securing elements and tools for rapid tool changes, complicating the process and increasing operational time, especially at high rotational speeds where traditional clamping methods are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design featuring a tool receiving device with a clamping mechanism that includes movable hook devices, allowing for tool attachment and detachment without additional securing elements, and utilizing centrifugal force to enhance clamping at higher speeds, ensuring rapid and secure tool changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamping methods are used, then tool securing is achieved, but additional securing elements and tools are required, increasing device complexity and operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate securing elements (screws, nuts, locking mechanisms) by integrating the clamping function directly into the tool receiving device. The clamping device with movable clamping elements is built-in, allowing direct engagement with the tool without external fasteners, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable tool securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is designed to be self-actuating through centrifugal force. As the power tool rotates, the centrifugal force automatically moves the clamping elements into the engaged position, securing the tool without requiring additional securing elements or manual intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces both device complexity and operational time.
2Reliability
If traditional clamping methods are used, then tool attachment is achieved, but operational time increases due to additional securing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device automatically activates through centrifugal force generated during tool rotation. The movable clamping elements are positioned such that centrifugal force during operation automatically drives them into the engaged position, securing the tool instantly without manual intervention or additional securing steps, thereby minimizing operational time while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are pre-positioned in a retracted state before operation. Upon rotation, centrifugal force automatically moves them into the engaged position, performing the securing action preliminarily and automatically without requiring manual intervention during operation, thus reducing operational time.
3Force
If centrifugal force is utilized for clamping, then clamping effectiveness is enhanced at high speeds, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The movable clamping elements respond to centrifugal force generated during rotation, automatically adjusting their position and clamping force according to the rotational speed. This dynamic design enhances clamping effectiveness at high speeds while maintaining a relatively simple structure that leverages the natural physics of rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism uses centrifugal force from the tool's own rotation to activate and adjust the clamping elements. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems, enhancing clamping force at high speeds while keeping the mechanism simple and reliable.
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
Enables rapid and convenient tool changes without the need for additional securing elements, improving operational efficiency and safety by maintaining a secure attachment at high rotational speeds.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing centrifugal force to enhance clamping at higher speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool, includes a tool-holding device that rotates about an output axis. The tool-holding device is configured to hold a tool device on the power tool such that the output axis and a tool rotation axis substantially coincide. The tool-holding device has at least a driver device and a clamping device that is movable relative to the driver device. To transfer a driving force to the tool device, the driver device has at least one torque transfer region that is arranged at a distance from the output axis. The driver device and the clamping device are configured to reach through a cut-out of the tool device, which cut-out extends through the entire material thickness of the tool device, and to clamp the tool device via the clamping device, which is movable substantially in a direction radial to the output axis.