Quick-Change Chuck Locking Ring for Compact Tool Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hammer drill tool holder systems are limited by permanently attached tool holders, restricting the range of cutting tools that can be used and increasing the drill's length when a releasable connection system is implemented, while also complicating the connection and removal process.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder connection system featuring a spindle with a tubular attachment sleeve and washers biased by helical springs, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of tool holders with a secure locking mechanism using ball bearings, which maintains a compact design and supports various cutting tool types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a permanently attached tool holder is used, then the connection is secure and simple, but the range of cutting tools that can be used is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a tool holder with connection elements and a spindle with corresponding locking elements. This segmentation allows the tool holder to be detached and replaced with different types, enabling versatility while keeping the connection mechanism relatively simple through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle connection system is designed with universal locking elements that can accommodate multiple types of tool holders through a single interface. The locking mechanism with ball bearings and indentations provides a universal solution that works with various cutting tool types without requiring complex specialized connections for each tool type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a releasable connection system is implemented, then the range of cutting tools can be broadened, but the drill's length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are nested within the spindle structure. The locking elements with ball bearings are positioned within the spindle body, and the connection interface is integrated into the existing spindle geometry. This nesting minimizes the additional length required for the releasable connection system while maintaining the ability to attach and detach different tool holders.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a releasable connection system is implemented, then the range of cutting tools can be broadened, but the connection and removal process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features. The ball bearings automatically engage with the indentations when the tool holder is inserted, and the spring mechanism automatically maintains the locking elements in the engaged position. This self-service capability simplifies the attachment and removal process, allowing users to quickly change tools without complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball bearings act as intermediary elements between the tool holder connection elements and the spindle locking structure. These spherical intermediaries facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement by rolling between the connection surfaces, reducing friction and simplifying the attachment and removal operations.
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
Enables the use of a variety of cutting tools with a single hammer drill by simplifying the attachment and removal process while maintaining a secure connection and minimizing the overall length of the drill.
Implementation Method 1
a first washer biased by a first helical spring and a second washer fixed within the attachment sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a first locking element mounted within an aperture formed through the wall of the rear section and capable of moving radially between two positions
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A tool holder connection system for a drill comprising: a first spindle having a first end, a second end, and a first spindle connection section formed at the first end of the first spindle, wherein the first spindle connection section comprises at least one indentation; a locking ring slideably mounted on the first spindle which is capable of sliding over a range of positions relative to the first spindle connection section and which is biased by a first biasing mechanism towards an indentation position where it surrounds the at least one indentation; a second spindle having a first end, a second end and a second spindle connection section formed at the first end of the second spindle, the second connection section comprising a tubular passage for receiving the first connection section; wherein the second spindle connection section comprises at least one moveable locking element mounted within an aperture formed through the wall of the second connection section and which is capable of moving radially between two positions, a first position where the locking element extends into the tubular passage and a second position where the locking element extends radially outwardly from the second spindle connection section; wherein, when the first spindle is locked to second spindle, the first connection section is located within the tubular passage of the second connection section with the at least one indentation being aligned with the at least one locking element and the at least one locking element being held in its first position in engagement with the at least one indentation by the locking ring which is located in its indentation position where it surrounds the at least one locking element; wherein, the first spindle can be unlocked from the second spindle by sliding the locking ring away from its indentation position against the biasing force of the first biasing mechanism to the at least one locking element to move from its first position to its second position to disengage it from the at least one indentation to unlock the first from the second spindle; characterised in that the locking ring is slid away from the second end of the first spindle and towards the second end of the second spindle to allow the at least one locking element to move from its first position to its second position.