Power Tool Housing Lock Bar Mechanism for Grip Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing twist-handled power tools lack an effective locking mechanism that allows for secure alignment and easy transition between inline and pistol grip positions, leading to potential instability and reduced user control.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design incorporating a lock bar system with a mounting hub and biasing spring, which allows for relative rotation between housing portions by engaging and disengaging stop members, enabling secure locking and unlocking mechanisms to stabilize the tool in different grip positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure alignment between housing portions, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bar is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the mechanism to dynamically transition between stable (locked) and flexible (unlocked) states. This resolves the contradiction by providing stability only when needed, rather than making the entire mechanism complex and rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lock bar automatically engages with the mounting hub features to secure the housing portions in their proper alignment. The mechanism self-locks without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, improving stability while minimizing added complexity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used to prevent relative rotation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded lock bar automatically engages with the mounting hub features to secure the housing portions in their proper alignment. The mechanism self-locks without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, improving stability while minimizing added complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock bar is made movable between multiple positions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bar is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the mechanism to dynamically transition between stable (locked) and flexible (unlocked) states. This resolves the contradiction by providing stability only when needed, rather than making the entire mechanism complex and rigid.
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 provides enhanced user control and stability by ensuring secure alignment in both inline and pistol grip positions, improving the overall performance and usability of the power tool.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that biases the mounting hub toward the lock bar to cause engagement of the first set of stop members with the second set of stop members
Implementation Method 2
The lock bar cooperates with the mounting hub in the locked position to inhibit relative rotation between the first and second housing portions
Data Source
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AI summary
A power tool (10') having first (30') and second (32') housing portions, a power train (14'), a mounting hub, a lock bar and an actuator. The second housing portion is disposed about the first housing portion for pivoting motion about a pivot axis. The powertrain has an output member that extends from the second housing portion and which is movable relative to an output member axis. The mounting hub is coupled to one of the first and second housing portions. The lock bar is mounted to the other one of the first and second housing portions. The actuator is slidably received in the other one of the first and second housing portions and cooperates with the mounting hub to selectively permit the second housing portion to pivot about the pivot axis relative to the first housing portion.