Retractable Clamping Device Key for Portable Tool Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for portable tools, such as chain saws, require external tools for tightening and loosening, which can be inconvenient, especially outdoors, and often require complex maneuvers that may not be user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a rotating key and connecting mechanism that allows tilting around a perpendicular axis, enabling screwing or unscrewing without external tools, and featuring a range of angular displacement over 170°, with a fork-shaped key head and annular groove design for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw-nut system with external tools is used for tightening, then the clamping force can be applied, but the operation becomes complex and requires external tools that may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The key is merged with the clamping member through a connecting device, integrating the driving function and positioning function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate external tools and simplifies the operation while maintaining the clamping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device becomes self-sufficient by incorporating the key and connecting device that enable tightening and loosening operations without external tools. The device serves itself by having all necessary components integrated into the clamping assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the key is permanently fixed to the clamping member, then the tightening operation is simplified, but the key interferes with the use of the tool when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device allows the key to dynamically change its position relative to the clamping member. The key can be tilted between a working position for tightening operations and a rest position against the housing for normal tool use, providing both ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The key is given the ability to move in a tilting motion around an axis perpendicular to the screwing axis, adding a rotational degree of freedom. This allows the key to be positioned out of the way when not in use while remaining accessible when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the key is made tiltable around the clamping member, then the key can be stored in rest position, but the connecting device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the key and the clamping member, enabling the tilting motion while maintaining the driving connection. This intermediary structure facilitates the dimensional change without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the key can rotate freely over a large angular range, then the key can be positioned in rest position, but the engagement mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device employs asymmetric engagement features including a drive finger with a specific profile and corresponding notches on the clamping member. This asymmetric design enables the large angular displacement range while maintaining secure engagement during tightening operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A screw-nut type clamping device comprising a clamping member (7) capable of being driven into rotation and a wrench (11) for driving this clamping member (7), having an operating arm (17), this wrench (11) and the clamping member (7) being joined by a linkage device (9) arranged so that the wrench (11) can pivot relative to the clamping member (7) about a pivot axis (Y-Y') substantially perpendicular to the screw axis (X-X') of said clamping member (7) so as to allow its placement in a rest position substantially perpendicular to said screw axis and can drive the clamping member (7) into rotation about said screw axis (X-X'), or rotate freely relative to the clamping member (7), about said screw axis (X-X'), over an angular deflection range (α) of at least 170°.