Hand-Held Power Tool Joint Locking Ring for Flush Angle Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held power tools have a protruding knob that causes discomfort and affects handling, while also being aesthetically unpleasing and complex in design.
Innovation Solution
A joint fixing structure with a simple arcuate configuration using a flexible transmission shaft, annular grooves, a fixing base, a C-shaped ring, and a control ring, allowing for smooth pivoting and locking of the tool head without protrusions, utilizing balls and beveled surfaces for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protruding knob is used to fix the tool head, then the tool head can be retained securely, but the user's palm cannot contact the main body closely causing discomfort and poor handling
Solution Approach 1:
The control ring is nested within the contour of the main body, with the C-shaped ring and balls housed inside the main body structure. This nesting allows the locking mechanism to function securely while maintaining a smooth outer surface that enables the user's palm to contact the main body closely without protrusions causing discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped ring acts as an intermediary mechanism between the control ring and the balls. When the control ring rotates, it deforms the C-shaped ring which then pushes the balls against the annular grooves to lock the tool head. This intermediary structure enables secure retention without requiring a protruding external knob.
2Reliability
If a protruding knob is used to fix the tool head, then the locking function is achieved, but the appearance becomes complex and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
All locking components (control ring, C-shaped ring, balls) are nested within the main body's contour, creating a smooth, streamlined appearance without protruding elements. The locking mechanism is concealed inside while maintaining aesthetic simplicity on the outside.
Solution Approach 2:
The control ring is designed with an outer annular surface that is circular in shape, merging the control function with the aesthetic form. The protrusions on the C-shaped ring are symmetrically arranged and integrated into the overall design, creating visual balance and simplicity rather than complexity.
3Reliability
If a protruding knob is used to fix the tool head, then the locking mechanism functions, but the structure becomes complex causing inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the control ring for operation, the C-shaped ring for force transmission, and the balls for locking engagement. Each component has a simple, well-defined structure with specific functions, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control ring serves multiple functions: it is operated by the user to rotate, it deforms the C-shaped ring through its inner annular surface, and it maintains a simple circular outer shape for aesthetic purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall structure.
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
Enhances user comfort and aesthetic appeal by eliminating protrusions, providing easy operation and maintaining the adjusted pivoting angle for improved handling and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the C-shaped ring is deformed inwardly with the press portions to push the balls
Implementation Method 2
The through holes are provided with balls movable in the through holes
Data Source
AI summary
A joint fixing structure of a hand-held power tool includes a fixing base connected with a tool head. Two opposite sides of the fixing base have through holes with movable balls. The fixing base is surrounded by a C-shaped ring with two protrusions. The C-shaped ring is surrounded by a control ring that has an circular outer surface and an inner surface provided with two recesses. The control ring is operated to rotate relative to the C-shaped ring between an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the unlocked position, the protrusions go into the recesses, making the C-shaped ring not press the balls so that the tool head can be pivoted freely. When in the locked position, the tool head is locked by the balls being pressed by the deformation of the C-shaped ring due to the motion of the protrusions out of the recesses.