Retractable Screw Holder for Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools, such as drills and screwdrivers, lack an integrated mechanism to efficiently hold and manage screws and bits, leading to user inconvenience and potential bit loss during operation.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design featuring a retractable screw holder assembly with a leg portion and a holder that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the output member, allowing the holder to move between a working position for holding screws or bits and a stored position within the housing, utilizing a chuck with retractable jaws to accommodate different bit sizes and a magnetic bit holder for secure screw retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw holder assembly is added to the power tool, then the convenience of holding and managing screws and bits is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder assembly is nested within the housing of the power tool. The leg portion can be slid into the housing, and the holder can be rotated into different positions, allowing the assembly to be compact when not in use while providing full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder assembly is designed with movable components including a leg portion that can extend and retract, and a holder that can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the output member. This dynamic design allows the assembly to adapt between a compact stored position and an operational working position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holder assembly is made retractable and rotatable, then the tool versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is configured to hold at least one of an accessory or a fastener, allowing the power tool to perform multiple functions. The holder can accommodate different types of bits and screws, making the tool versatile for various drilling and driving applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the output member, introducing a new dimensional movement. This perpendicular rotation allows the holder to move between different orientations and positions, expanding the tool's functionality without interfering with the primary rotational operation.
3Volume of moving object
If the holder is positioned farther from the output member axis in stored position, then the device compactness is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder assembly transitions between two distinct states: a stored position where the leg portion is retracted into the housing and the holder is rotated to a second orientation, and a working position where the leg portion extends and the holder is in a first orientation for easy access. This dynamic positioning allows the user to easily switch between compact storage and operational accessibility.
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
Enhances user convenience by providing a secure and accessible mechanism for holding screws and bits, reducing the risk of loss and improving operational efficiency through a compact storage solution that maintains tool versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The chuck may be configured to hold screwdriver bits and drill bits of different sizes
Implementation Method 2
The holder may be biased by a biasing member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A power tool (1) includes a housing (5), a motor (90) is disposed in the housing (5), and an output member (65) such as a chuck or other bit holder, the output member being rotationally drivable by the motor (90). The power tool further includes a holder assembly (100), the holder assembly including a leg portion (115) configured to extend from the housing and a holder (102) configured to hold a fastener. The holder is rotatable between a working position and a non-working position. In the working position, the holder is at or adjacent to a longitudinal axis of the output member, and the holder is configured to hold a fastener in a position to be driven by a bit held by the output member. In the non-working position, the holder is further from the longitudinal axis of the output member.