Tool-Free Router Collet Clamping With Blocking and Speed Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held power tools, such as routers, require a separate tool for actuating the clamping element to secure or release the insertion tool, which can be cumbersome and prone to unintentional activation.
Innovation Solution
A tool-free clamping element operating unit is introduced, featuring a blocking element and switch that allows for secure and fast positioning of the clamping element, along with an electronic unit for speed control and contact protection to prevent accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate tool (e.g., open-ended wrench) is used to actuate the clamping element, then the clamping element can be securely positioned, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping element actuation function with the drive unit itself. The drive unit's rotational movement is directly utilized to rotate the clamping element between clamping and release positions, eliminating the need for separate actuating tools. This merging of functions allows secure positioning while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit serves multiple functions: it drives the tool holder during normal operation and simultaneously acts as the actuating mechanism for the clamping element. By making the drive unit universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated clamping tools while maintaining secure clamping capability.
2Productivity
If the clamping element can be easily actuated without tools, then operation speed increases, but unintentional activation becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires the user to deliberately position the tool holder in a specific orientation before the clamping element can be actuated. This preliminary positioning action serves as an intentional confirmation step that prevents accidental activation while still allowing fast tool changes once the correct position is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder acts as an intermediary between the user's intentional action and the clamping element actuation. The clamping element can only be rotated when the tool holder is in the correct predetermined position, creating a mediated control mechanism that prevents unintentional activation while maintaining operational speed.
3Productivity
If the drive unit rotates at high speed in working mode, then productivity increases, but safe actuation of the clamping element during rotation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic rotational movement of the drive unit by allowing clamping element actuation only during specific phases of the rotation cycle. The control unit monitors the rotation phase and enables clamping element rotation only when the tool holder is in the predetermined safe position, ensuring safety while maintaining high working speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides feedback control by monitoring the position and rotation state of the tool holder. It dynamically enables or disables clamping element actuation based on real-time position feedback, ensuring that actuation only occurs when safe and appropriate, thereby maintaining both high productivity and operational safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held power tool, in particular a router, includes a tool holder and a housing in which at least one drive unit configured to drive the tool holder is arranged. The tool holder is associated with a clamping element configured to clamp an insertion tool configured to be arranged in the tool holder. The clamping element is configured to clamp the insertion tool in the tool holder in a clamping position and release the insertion tool in a release position. A clamping element operator unit configured to be actuated without tools is provided to enable tool-free actuation of the clamping element to clamp or release the insertion tool in/from the tool holder.