Adjustable Platform Attachment for Rotary Hand Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small rotary hand tools lack adjustable support surfaces for tool implements, which can lead to improper elevation and angle of workpieces, affecting task accuracy and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A platform attachment with an adjustable mounting component and a platform component featuring a perpendicular main surface and an angled secondary surface, allowing for customizable support for workpieces, secured by a locking mechanism to ensure stability during tool operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If no support surface is provided for the tool implement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and task accuracy deteriorate due to improper elevation and angle of workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent components: a mounting component that attaches to the rotary tool, a platform component with adjustable support surfaces, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform component is designed with adjustability, allowing the support surfaces to be positioned at different elevations and angles depending on the task requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise positioning of workpieces without requiring a complex fixed structure for every possible configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable platform with multiple surfaces is added, then the adaptability for different workpiece positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform component serves multiple functions: it provides a support surface for workpieces, an angled surface for certain operations, and an adjustable elevation mechanism. The mounting component interfaces with standard rotary tools, making the attachment versatile across different tool types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated components. The platform component merges the support surface, angled surface, and adjustment mechanism into a single unit, while the locking mechanism integrates with the mounting component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts compared to providing fully independent adjustment mechanisms for each function.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to secure the platform, then the stability during tool operation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the adjustment process. As the platform component is positioned at the desired elevation and angle, the locking mechanism automatically engages to secure it in place. This eliminates the need for separate locking actions while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the adjustable platform and the mounting component. It provides a simple interface that translates the adjustment movements into secure locking positions, ensuring stability without requiring complex operation from the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a platform attachment for use with a power hand tool which has a housing with a front nose portion with a rotary output shaft extending therefrom, and a tool holding mechanism on the output shaft for holding a tool, the attachment comprising a mounting component having an opening generally aligned with the output shaft through which a tool can extend, a platform component having a base portion and a platform portion, the base portion being adjustably attached to the mounting component, the platform portion having an outer generally planar main surface that is perpendicular to the axis and having an opening through which a tool can extend, and a generally planar secondary surface that extends downwardly from the main surface at a predetermined angle relative to the axis, and a mechanism for releasably locking the platform component on the mounting component.