Rotary Tool Quick-Connect Adapter for Fast Accessory Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held rotary power tools require tedious and time-consuming threading processes to attach and detach accessories, making it cumbersome for users to quickly switch between different tools.
Innovation Solution
A rotary power tool assembly featuring an adaptor with a driver connected to the output shaft, a receiver with a torque transfer device, and an output device, allowing for quick connection and detachment of accessories through geometric features like helical threads or flats, enabling easy attachment and removal of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external threads are provided on the output shaft for accessory attachment, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation process becomes tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the accessory attachment system into two separate components: a driver that attaches to the threaded output shaft, and a receiver that attaches to the driver. This segmentation allows the threading to be contained within the driver-receiver interface, while the final accessory attachment uses a simple snap-fit or bayonet mechanism, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability through the threaded driver interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver acts as an intermediary component between the threaded output shaft and the accessory. Instead of directly threading accessories onto the output shaft, the driver serves as a mediator that provides both the threaded connection to the shaft and a simplified attachment interface for the accessory, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and quick installation.
2Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used for accessory attachment, then the installation is quick and easy, but the connection strength and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two stages: first, the driver threads onto the output shaft providing strong mechanical anchoring; second, the receiver attaches to the driver using a simple snap-fit or bayonet mechanism. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function - the threaded connection provides strength while the simplified receiver attachment provides ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the accessory itself threaded (which would compromise ease of operation), the invention inverts the approach by making the driver threaded and the receiver simple. This reversal allows the complex threaded connection to be hidden within the driver, while the accessory interface remains simple and user-friendly.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held rotary tool includes a housing that encloses a motor having an output shaft. The tool includes a quick connect adaptor configured to connect an accessory to the output shaft. The adaptor includes a driver that is connected to the output shaft and rotates in concert with the output shaft. An outer surface of the driver has a first flat. The adaptor includes a receiver that includes a connector configured to detachably connect with the housing, and a torque transfer device configured to receive the driver. An inner surface of the torque transfer device includes a second flat that engages with the first flat in such a way that rotation of the driver results in rotation the torque transfer device relative to the connector. The adaptor includes an output device that supports the accessory and that is driven by the torque transfer device to move relative to the connector.