Power Tool Housing Retaining Ring for Ergonomic Handle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomics in handle design for handheld power tools, particularly those with a straight design, are compromised by reaction torque and discomfort due to traditional locking mechanisms like screws, which also complicate assembly and reduce tool durability.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design featuring a housing with conical outer and inner surfaces that utilize a retaining ring to securely hold the housing portions together without screws, enhancing ergonomics and simplifying assembly by applying radial force, thus eliminating the need for additional locking means at the handle portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional locking mechanisms like screws are used to secure housing portions, then the housing structure is secured, but the handle design creates discomfort and harmful discontinuities due to reaction torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional locking mechanisms (screws, rivets) from the handle area by extracting the fastening function and relocating it to a retaining ring positioned away from the handle portion. This eliminates harmful discontinuities while maintaining housing stability through the retaining ring's radial force application on conical surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retaining ring as an intermediary component that mediates between the housing portions. This ring applies radial force through conical surfaces to secure the housing without requiring direct fastening at the handle, thereby eliminating discomfort while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional locking means are added to secure housing portions, then the housing is secured, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing portions together using a single retaining ring that applies radial force through conical surfaces, replacing multiple traditional fastening elements. This consolidation simplifies the assembly process while maintaining secure housing portion connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical surfaces and retaining ring create a self-aligning, self-securing mechanism where the radial force automatically urges the housing portions together without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple fastening steps, thereby simplifying assembly.
3Ease of operation
If softer materials are used for the handle to improve friction and grip, then ergonomics is improved, but the tool lifetime is reduced due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of reaction torque and housing discontinuities into a benefit by removing traditional fasteners from the handle area. This eliminates the need for softer, wear-prone materials while maintaining secure grip through improved housing integrity and smooth handle surfaces.
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 improves ergonomics by reducing discomfort and enhancing assembly efficiency, providing a secure and comfortable grip while eliminating potential harmful discontinuities at the handle, and allowing for a more efficient and convenient assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a radial force is exerted on the first and second housing portions by means of the ring as the conical inner surface and the conical outer surface are axially displaced with respect to one another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the invention a handheld electric power tool comprising a drive train assembly (100) arranged along a longitudinal axis of the tool, a housing (10) adapted to receive the drive train assembly and a retaining ring (20) is provided. Wherein the housing comprises a first portion (11) and a second portion (12) adapted to form the housing (10) including a conical outer surface portion (10a) having a substantially circular cross section, and wherein the retaining ring comprises an inner surface (21 comprising a conical inner surface portion (21a) adapted to cooperate with the conical outer surface portion (11a) such that a force is exerted on the first and second housing portions by means of the ring as the conical inner surface (21a) and the conical outer surface (10a) are axially displaced with respect to one another, thereby urging the first and second housing portion together.