Tool Spindle Support Element Prevents Loosening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric hand tools, particularly angle grinders, face safety issues due to the risk of tool detachment when using spindle brakes, as the torque reversal can loosen the fastening nut, leading to potential tool ejection during braking.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable tool spindle with a support element that applies a defined axial force to the tool, generating a preload that secures the tool against unintentional loosening, even during braking, by increasing frictional engagement between the threads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a spindle brake is used to quickly stop the rotating tool, then the braking time is reduced and productivity is improved, but the torque reversal causes the fastening nut to loosen and the tool may detach, compromising safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking timeVSAvoidtool securing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a support element that proactively counteracts the loosening torque before it can cause tool detachment. The support element is positioned to provide stabilizing force during braking, preventing the fastening nut from loosening due to the reverse torque generated when the spindle brake stops the rotating tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The support element acts as an intermediary component between the fastening nut and the tool. It mediates the force transmission during braking by providing additional support to the fastening system, distributing the reverse torque and preventing the fastening nut from loosening while allowing the tool to be securely held during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wedge surfaces are used to increase pressure between flanges during braking, then tool detachment is prevented, but the tension between flanges becomes dependent on braking intensity, requiring different torques for tool release and potentially preventing easy tool changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool securing during brakingVSAvoidtool change
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is designed to automatically engage and provide stabilizing force during braking without requiring operator intervention. It self-adjusts to the braking conditions and provides the necessary counteracting force, then automatically disengages or reduces its effect when braking is complete, allowing the operator to remove the tool with standard torque without excessive resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support element provides dynamic support that adapts to the braking conditions. During braking, it actively counteracts the reverse torque; after braking, its effect is reduced or eliminated, allowing the fastening nut to be removed with normal torque. This dynamic behavior ensures tool security during operation while maintaining ease of tool changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively prevents unintentional loosening and tool detachment, allowing for safe operation and quick tool changes without additional effort or training, while maintaining a simple and robust construction.

Implementation Method 1

generating a preload that secures the tool against unintentional loosening, even during braking, by increasing frictional engagement between the threads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2651600B1Electric hand-power tool device with tool securing means
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 METABOWERKE
  • EP2651600B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric hand-power tool device comprising a rotatable tool spindle for receiving a tool, said tool spindle having a supporting element for supporting the tool. The supporting element (13) is designed such that the tool (1) can be moved on a path L in an axial manner along the tool spindle (3) in the direction of the electric hand-power tool against a force (F) after said tool comes into contact with the supporting element (13) when the tool (1) is received on the tool spindle (3).