Shaft Securing Mechanism for Hand Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand tool mechanisms that allow interchangeable attachments suffer from reduced contact and rigidity due to internal components translating axially and/or rotating relative to the tool body, which compromises the secure attachment and force transfer during tool manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A securing mechanism featuring a tool body with an end opening for receiving a shaft, a push button that translates between locked and unlocked positions, and biasing members that urge protrusions to engage the shaft, providing a sliding engagement and orientation features to enhance attachment security and force transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If internal components translate axially and/or rotate relative to the tool body to enable interchangeable attachments, then the tool can accommodate various implements, but contact and rigidity with the shaft are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeable attachmentsVSAvoidcontact and rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a push button for actuation, biasing members for maintaining engagement force, and protrusions for direct shaft contact. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively maintaining both versatility and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions are designed as simple, robust features that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Their straightforward geometry prioritizes functional reliability and ease of manufacture over complex design, ensuring consistent contact and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If internal components translate axially and/or rotate relative to the tool body, then various implements can be attached interchangeably, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeable attachmentsVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a compact mechanism: the push button simultaneously actuates the release of protrusions from the shaft, the biasing members maintain constant engagement force, and the protrusions provide both retention and orientation. This integration reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing mechanism is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate various shaft types and implements through standardized protrusion and opening geometries. The same basic mechanism structure serves multiple functions: retention, release, and orientation, reducing the need for implement-specific components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If protrusions engage the shaft with biasing members to maintain contact, then force transfer is improved, but the ease of operation for attachment and release is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transferVSAvoidattachment and release operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: engaged and disengaged. The biasing members dynamically adjust to maintain optimal contact force during operation, while the push button provides dynamic actuation to quickly transition between states. This dynamic behavior ensures strong force transfer during use while enabling easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing members act as intermediaries between the push button and the protrusions, translating the user's simple push action into controlled engagement or release of the shaft. They mediate the force application to ensure smooth operation while maintaining the necessary engagement strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The mechanism ensures secure attachment and release of implements while maintaining contact and transferring forces effectively, allowing for various orientations and functions without compromising rigidity or contact with the shaft.

Implementation Method 1

the tool may include one or more biasing members positioned between the push button and the tool body thereby urging the one or more protrusions inwardly towards the shaft to the locked positon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11389942B1Securing mechanism for a shaft

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 SEASPINE ORTHOPEDICS CORP

AI summary

A securing mechanism for releasably securing various implements and shafts to a hand tool, instrument, or device. The securing mechanism may include a button to unlock/lock the shaft relative to the device. The retention feature may include a cam surface. The retention feature may include a biasing member. The tool may include an orientation feature.