Power Tool Adapter Assembly for Torque Transfer in Light Housings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power tool housings made of lighter materials face durability and strength issues, particularly in connection structures for attaching tool attachments, and existing solutions complicate disassembly or cause damage.

Innovation Solution

A power tool design incorporating a connection structure with axially extending grooves and an adapter assembly featuring fins and a cap nut, allowing for efficient torque transfer without undue strain on the thread, enabling easy and secure attachment and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If lighter materials (plastics or polymers) are used for the housing, then the weight of the tool is reduced, but the strength and durability of the connection structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of power toolVSAvoidstrength of connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional elements: an adapter assembly with intermediate member and cap nut, axially extending grooves in the housing, and corresponding fins on the intermediate member. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific function - the grooves and fins handle torque transfer, the cap nut provides locking, and the thread provides axial connection - thereby achieving high strength with lighter materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution employs a composite connection structure combining plastic housing material with metal fastening elements (cap nut and intermediate member). This composite approach allows the housing to remain lightweight while the metal components provide the necessary strength and durability for the connection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If additional fastening means (screws or glue) are used to improve durability, then the strength of the connection structure is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates and permanent damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of connection structureVSAvoidease of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is designed as a dynamic, reversible system rather than a permanent one. The cap nut can be rotated to tighten or loosen, allowing the intermediate member to be securely fastened or easily removed. This dynamic fastening mechanism provides both high durability during operation and ease of disassembly when needed, eliminating the need for permanent damage-causing methods like glue or welded screws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a threaded connection structure is used, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the reliability under high stress levels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidreliability under high stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The axially extending grooves and fins act as intermediary torque transfer elements between the housing and the intermediate member. Instead of relying solely on the threaded connection to handle all stresses, the grooves and fins serve as intermediaries that efficiently transfer reaction torque, thereby protecting the thread from excessive stress and maintaining reliability under high load conditions while preserving ease of assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design allows for the use of lighter materials without compromising durability and strength, facilitating repeated assembly and disassembly of tool attachments.

Implementation Method 1

reaction torque may be efficiently transferred to the housing without imposing undue strain on the thread of the connection structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque transfer: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS12528173B2Power tool and adapter assembly for a power tool

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT

AI summary

The present specification relates to a power tool comprising a housing comprising a connection structure allowing for connecting a tool attachment and comprising a first thread, and an adapter assembly for connecting the power tool and the attachment comprising an intermediate member comprising an engaging structure for engaging the attachment and a cap nut for locking the intermediate member to the tool housing comprising a second thread for cooperating with the first thread, wherein the connection structure further comprises a wherein the intermediate member further comprises at least one fin adapted to be received in the groove, and wherein the groove extends in a manner intersecting the first thread such that the groove forms a longitudinally extending gap in the thread. The present specification also relates to an adapter assembly.