Power Tool Housing Fastener Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tool housings are oversized due to the additional space required for fasteners, which is undesirable in applications with space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design that secures the motor housing using fasteners extending parallel to the motor axis, eliminating the need for separate fastener spaces around the motor, with a body wrapping around the motor housing to integrate the front, motor, and back cap, reducing overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional clam shell housing design with separate fasteners is used, then the housing can securely hold the motor housing, but the additional space occupied by fasteners causes the power tool housing size to be undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastener function into the housing structure itself by creating integrated fastening features directly formed in the housing walls. The housing includes recesses and protrusions that interlock to secure the motor housing, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing overall housing size while maintaining securement strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is nested within the housing structure. The housing walls contain integrated recesses that receive corresponding protrusions from the motor housing, creating a nested interlocking system that provides securement without adding external fastener components.
2Strength
If multiple separate components (front housing, back cap, fasteners) are used to secure the motor, then the motor housing can be firmly attached, but the number of components increases the overall device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into an integrated housing structure. The front housing and back cap are merged into a single unified housing component with integrated fastening features, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining firm attachment of the motor housing through built-in interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural enclosure, motor mounting, and securement through integrated fastening features. The same housing walls that enclose the motor also contain the recesses and protrusions that secure the motor housing, eliminating the need for separate fastening components.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool is provided that, in one version, includes a front housing that supports an output drive, and a back cap located opposite the front housing. The back cap receives at least one fastener of the plurality of fasteners. A motor housing supports a motor and is located between the front housing and the back cap. The motor includes a rotor that is configured to rotate about a motor axis to drive rotation of the output drive. The fastener is disposed through the back cap, and secures to the front housing coupling the front housing, the motor housing, and the back cap together.