Quick-Release Tool Adapter for Secure Rotatable Accessory Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool adapters for reciprocating and rotational tools face limitations such as restricted accessory rotation, limited torque, and inability to securely attach smaller accessories, leading to ergonomic discomfort and vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A quick release coupler with a spindle and ball stop mechanism, combined with various accessory connectors featuring annular grooves and detents, allows for secure, rotatable, or fixed positioning of accessories, accommodating a variety of tools and accessories through sliding engagement and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hex key shank is permanently affixed to the accessory, then the accessory can be securely attached to the reciprocating shaft, but the accessory cannot be rotated or repositioned and only one accessory can be used at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into separate components: a hex key shank portion that attaches to the reciprocating shaft, and an accessory connector portion that holds the accessory. These segments are joined at a pivot point, allowing relative rotation between them. This segmentation enables the accessory to rotate independently while maintaining secure attachment through the hex key connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the hex key shank and accessory connector is made dynamic through a pivot joint rather than a fixed rigid connection. This allows the accessory connector to rotate relative to the hex key shank, enabling the accessory to be positioned at different angles while maintaining secure attachment. The dynamic connection resolves the contradiction between secure attachment and rotational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory connector is designed to accommodate larger accessories, then larger tools can be attached, but smaller accessories cannot pass through narrow openings
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter separates the connection function (hex key shank) from the accessory holding function (accessory connector). The hex key shank has a compact profile that can pass through narrow openings, while the accessory connector can accommodate various sized accessories. This segmentation allows the smaller connection portion to pass through openings while the larger accessory is held by the dedicated connector portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary between the reciprocating shaft and the accessory. The hex key shank portion serves as the intermediary element that passes through narrow openings to reach the shaft, while the accessory connector portion provides the interface for holding various sized accessories. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction between accommodating large accessories and passing through narrow openings.
3Device complexity
If a blade tang of limited size is used to support the accessory, then the attachment mechanism is simple, but the surface contact area is limited reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter introduces an additional dimensional aspect to the attachment mechanism. Instead of relying solely on the limited surface area of a traditional blade tang, the adapter adds a hex key shank connection that provides engagement in multiple dimensions. The hex key fits into a corresponding receptacle, creating point contacts at the corners that provide stable attachment without increasing the overall complexity significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
Tool adapter assemblies are presented including: a quick release coupler including: a spindle defining a partial cylindrical cavity, the spindle including a base portion, a body portion, and an end portion where the body portion includes a number of ball stop recesses; a number of ball stops slidingly engaged with the number of ball stop recesses; and a sleeve slidingly coupled with the spindle, where the sleeve is configured to lock and release the ball stops; and an accessory connector including at least one of: one or more annular grooves configured to engage with number of ball stops, a number of detents configured to engage with number of ball stops; and an accessory engagement portion positioned along a proximal end of the accessory connector.