Retractable Drill Hammer Merging Drilling and Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools require multiple devices for tasks like attaching wooden trim, leading to inefficiencies due to the need to switch and locate multiple tools, increasing the time required for such tasks.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose tool with a housing containing a retractable drill portion and a hammer portion, where the drill automatically activates when extended, allowing for both drilling and driving fasteners within a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools are used for drilling and fastener driving, then each tool can perform its specific function well, but the user must switch between tools repeatedly, increasing task time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultipurpose capabilityVSAvoidnumber of tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a drill portion and hammer portion into a single tool housing, allowing both drilling and fastener driving operations to be performed with one device. The drill portion can be extended or retracted within the housing, and the hammer portion is integrated alongside it, eliminating the need to switch between separate drill and hammer tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is designed to perform multiple functions: drilling holes via the drill portion and driving fasteners via the hammer portion. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to replace multiple specialized tools, improving versatility while reducing the number of tools needed in the workspace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple tools are required for trim installation, then each tool can be optimized for its specific task, but the user spends more time picking up and putting down tools, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask completion speedVSAvoidtool switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the drill and hammer functions into one tool, the user no longer needs to put down one tool and pick up another between drilling and fastener driving operations. The integrated design allows seamless transition between functions, eliminating tool switching time and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple tools are used simultaneously, then all functions can be performed, but the risk of misplacing tools increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool availabilityVSAvoidnumber of tools to manage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single tool unit, so the user only needs to manage one tool instead of multiple separate tools. This reduces the risk of misplacing tools while ensuring all necessary functions (drilling and fastener driving) are available when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10232449B2Combination tool

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A multipurpose tool is provided. The tool including a housing having a first end and an opposing second end. A hammer portion extending from the first end, the hammer portion having at least one surface configured to strike a fastener in operation. The tool further includes a drill portion slidably disposed within the housing, the drill portion including a chuck configured to receive a drill, the chuck being positioned within the housing when in a first position and at least partially extending from the second end when in a second position.