Rotary Tool Chuck Assembly for Multiple Standard Bit Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chuck assemblies for rotary power tools either suffer from the disadvantages of continuously variable chucks or are limited to a single standard hex-shanked bit size, failing to efficiently accommodate multiple standard bit sizes without increased weight, size, manufacturing cost, and time for bit changes.
Innovation Solution
A chuck assembly with a rotatable chuck body and movable jaws, featuring a collar that engages threads on both the chuck body and collar, allowing for securement of multiple standard bit sizes through oblique slots and stepped outer sides, enabling easy switching between different nominal sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a continuously variable chuck is used to accept a continuous range of bit sizes, then adaptability is improved, but weight, size, and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck jaw is divided into multiple discrete positions along the slot, each position corresponding to a specific standard bit size. The collar features multiple engagement positions that selectively engage with corresponding positions on the chuck body, creating discrete jaw positions rather than continuous adjustment. This segmentation allows the chuck to accommodate multiple bit sizes while maintaining a compact, lightweight structure optimized for standard sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The chuck assembly is designed to universally accommodate multiple standard hex-shanked bit sizes (1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 7/16-inch) using a single chuck mechanism. The collar-chuck body engagement system provides multi-functionality by enabling the same chuck to securely hold different standard bit sizes without requiring multiple specialized chucks or a complex continuously variable mechanism.
2Weight of moving object
If a single standard size chuck is used, then weight and size are reduced, but adaptability to multiple bit sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck jaw is made movable along the slot rather than being fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment to different positions. The collar can be rotated to different angular positions and axially moved to engage with different engagement positions on the chuck body, enabling the jaw to dynamically adapt to different bit sizes while maintaining a lightweight, compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement position between the collar and chuck body is changed by rotating the collar to different angular positions and moving it axially. This parameter change mechanism allows the same lightweight chuck structure to adapt to multiple bit sizes by changing the engagement parameters rather than changing the entire chuck assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a continuously variable chuck is used, then bit size flexibility is improved, but time to change bits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is pre-configured with multiple discrete engagement positions that correspond to different standard bit sizes. Before bit changes, the user can quickly rotate the collar to the appropriate engagement position corresponding to the required bit size, preparing the chuck in advance. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming continuous adjustment during bit changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously adjusting the jaw position, the system allows skipping directly to predetermined engagement positions by rotating the collar to the appropriate angular position. This enables rapid bit changes by jumping to the correct pre-configured position rather than making gradual adjustments, significantly reducing bit change time.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple standard size chucks are used, then manufacturing precision for each size is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chuck functions for different standard bit sizes are merged into a single chuck assembly. The collar-chuck body engagement system combines multiple engagement positions into one integrated mechanism, allowing the user to select the appropriate bit size by rotating the collar to the corresponding position. This merging reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost compared to having separate specialized chucks for each bit size while maintaining precise jaw positioning for each standard size.
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 quick and secure attachment of various standard bit sizes without the drawbacks of continuously variable chucks, reducing weight, size, and manufacturing costs while simplifying bit changes.
Implementation Method 1
A first plurality of threads is formed on the chuck body or the plurality of jaws, and a second plurality of threads is formed on the collar. The collar is rotatable about the central axis to a first orientation to engage the second plurality of threads with the first plurality of threads
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of jaws are movable along the plurality of slots in response to rotation of the collar
Data Source
AI summary
A chuck assembly for a rotary power tool includes a chuck body rotatable about a central axis. The chuck body has a plurality of slots, each oriented at an oblique angle relative to the central axis. The chuck assembly also includes a plurality of jaws, each movable along a respective one of the slots. The chuck assembly also includes a collar coupled to the plurality of jaws. The collar is selectively engageable with the chuck body such that, when engaged, the plurality of jaws are movable along the plurality of slots in response to rotation of the collar.