Multi-Headed Power Tool Coupling for Quick Secure Head Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools require multiple steps and are not user-friendly for attaching and detaching tool heads, such as chucks and tool heads, often relying on complex mechanisms like ball bearings and compression springs.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design featuring a housing with a motor and transmission assembly, a trigger for activation, and a tool head element with a collar and locking elements that align and engage with a circumferential groove for quick and secure attachment to an output shaft, allowing tool heads to be easily attached and detached by pushing or pulling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball bearings and compression springs are used for attaching tool heads, then the attachment mechanism is reliable, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex ball bearing and compression spring mechanisms from the attachment system, replacing them with a simplified direct engagement system where the tool head attaches to the chuck via a straightforward insertion motion into a recess, eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the chuck with recess, the tool head with corresponding engagement features, and the retaining ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining secure attachment
2Reliability
If alignment and rotation steps are required for attaching tool heads, then the attachment is secure, but the ease of operation deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck recess and tool head engagement features are pre-configured with alignment geometry that automatically guides the tool head into the correct position during insertion. The recess shape and tool head features are designed beforehand to self-align, eliminating the need for manual alignment steps by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system performs self-alignment and self-securing through its geometric design. When the tool head is inserted into the chuck recess, the shapes automatically guide alignment and engagement without requiring user manipulation for positioning, and the retaining ring automatically secures the connection
3Reliability
If multiple steps are required for attaching tool heads, then the connection is secure, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented so that the tool head and chuck have complementary geometric features that enable single-step engagement. The recess in the chuck and corresponding features on the tool head are designed to mate directly upon insertion, eliminating multiple assembly steps and significantly increasing attachment speed while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric features of the chuck recess and tool head are pre-designed to automatically align and engage in a single motion. This preliminary configuration of the attachment interfaces allows the user to simply insert the tool head without requiring multiple adjustment or securing steps, thereby improving productivity
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 quick and secure attachment of multiple tool heads to a base power tool without the need for user intervention, simplifying the process and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
Each locking element is biased inwardly towards the input shaft by biasing elements
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a head interface coupled to a forward end of an output shaft and a tool head element for engagement on the head interface. The tool head element has a housing including an input shaft configured to removably couple with the output shaft and a collar comprising locking elements. Each locking element is biased inwardly towards the input shaft by biasing elements. Upon attachment of the tool head element to the head interface, the locking elements are aligned into a circumferential groove of the head interface and held by the biasing elements therein to engage the tool head element onto the head interface and establish a drive connection between the output shaft and input shaft. Thus, when a motor and transmission assembly of the tool is operated, the input shaft rotates with the output shaft about the axis and thus drives the tool head element.