Power Tool Torque Adjustment via Integrated Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power tools face challenges in miniaturization due to the large size of adjusting assemblies required for torque adjustment in their transmission mechanisms, which hinder their compact design and ease of use as handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
A transmission mechanism featuring a planet gear system with a rotating ring gear, locking pins, a locking ring, and biasing elements that allow for torque adjustment without increasing the tool's size, enabling compact design and efficient power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a multi-stage planet gear system and adjusting assembly are included to obtain large output torque and adjust torque, then the torque and speed requirements are satisfied, but the power tool size increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a locking mechanism (with locking protuberances that engage with locking pins) and a torque adjustment device (with an adjusting groove for the adjusting element). This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate adjusting assemblies, reducing overall size while maintaining torque capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides locking action through its locking protuberances and torque adjustment through the adjusting groove. This universal component performs multiple roles that would traditionally require separate assemblies, enabling compact power tool design without sacrificing performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional adjusting assembly is included for torque adjustment, then torque adjustment capability is achieved, but the assembly occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring combines the locking mechanism and torque adjusting assembly into a single integrated component. The adjusting groove is directly formed on the locking ring, allowing the adjusting element to interact with both the locking mechanism and torque control functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate adjusting assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element is positioned within the adjusting groove of the locking ring, creating a nested arrangement where the adjusting mechanism is housed within the locking ring structure itself. This nesting approach minimizes the space required for torque adjustment functionality
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 allows for compact power tools that maintain torque and speed requirements while minimizing size, enhancing usability and efficiency by integrating torque adjustment without occupying excessive space.
Implementation Method 1
biasing elements for biasing the locking pins to move towards the locking ring
Implementation Method 2
planet gears being capable of engaging with the sun gear and the ring gear
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes an output shaft for outputting torque, a transmission mechanism for driving the output shaft, a motor for driving the transmission mechanism, and a housing for containing the motor. The transmission mechanism includes a ring gear being capable of rotating relative to the housing, locking pins for limiting the rotation of the ring gear, a locking ring for limiting the locking pins to rotate with the ring gear, and biasing elements for biasing the locking pins so as to move toward the locking ring. The ring gear is formed with apertures going through the ring gear in an axial direction of the output shaft and the locking pins pass through the ring gear through the apertures and contact with the locking ring. The locking ring is formed with locking protuberances for contacting and engaging with the locking pins.