Power Tool Sleeve Axial Positioning via Nested Locating Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque output tools, such as electric drills, face challenges in miniaturization due to traditional locating methods that increase axial size, making it difficult to achieve a compact design while maintaining torque adjustment functionality.
Innovation Solution
The power tool incorporates a locating element with a containing groove and holes, fastening elements that embed into these holes, and a shaft lock mechanism with a lock cylinder, lock ring, and pins to securely position the sleeve and lock the output shaft, allowing for torque adjustment and miniaturization by reducing the axial size required for fastening elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locating methods are used to position the sleeve, then the sleeve can be securely located, but the axial size of the power tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating element is nested within the gear box structure, with the containing groove formed inside the gear box body. The fastening elements are embedded within the locating element, with screw rods partially contained in locating holes and screw heads contained in containing holes. This nested arrangement allows the locating and fastening functions to be integrated within the existing axial space of the gear box, eliminating the need for additional axial space and achieving miniaturization of the power tool while maintaining secure sleeve positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional axial positioning methods to a multi-dimensional fastening approach. The fastening elements utilize both locating holes (for positioning) and containing holes (for securing), creating a two-stage fastening system that operates in different spatial dimensions. This allows the sleeve to be securely located without increasing axial size, as the fastening occurs through radial and axial hole intersections rather than requiring additional axial length.
2Strength
If additional axial space is allocated for fastening elements, then secure fixing is achieved, but the power tool cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The locating element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the containing groove for the bearing, creates locating holes for positioning the fastening elements, and works with containing holes in the lock ring to secure the assembly. The fastening elements themselves combine positioning (through locating holes) and securing (through containing holes) functions. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate locating and fastening components that would increase axial space, achieving secure fixing without increasing tool volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional zones: locating holes for positioning, containing holes for securing, and the containing groove for bearing support. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently within the available space, rather than requiring a single large fastening structure that would increase axial dimensions. The screw rods are partially contained in locating holes while screw heads are contained in containing holes, creating a compact segmented fastening arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes an output shaft for outputting torque, a motor for driving the output shaft to rotate about a first axis, a transmission mechanism for transmitting an output of the motor to the output shaft, a gear box for containing the transmission mechanism, a sleeve for a user to operate so as to adjust a maximum output torque transmitted from the motor to the output shaft, a locating element for limiting an axial position of the sleeve, fastening elements for fixing the locating element to the gear box, and a bearing for supporting the output shaft. The locating element is formed with a containing groove for containing the bearing and locating holes formed on a bottom of the containing groove. The fastening elements are at least partially embedded in the locating holes.