Oscillating Tool Accessory Clamp for One-Touch Secure Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillating power tools face challenges in securely holding and easily attaching/detaching tool accessories due to the conflicting biases of holding members and the need for a mechanism that allows for both fixed retention and easy exchange within a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The oscillating multi-tool incorporates a spindle with holding members that pivot between open and closed positions, aided by a biasing spring and a locking mechanism, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of tool accessories through a single manual operation by utilizing a locking member that abuts the claws of the holding members to maintain the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holding members are biased toward the closed position to secure tool accessories, then retention reliability is improved, but ease of attachment/detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding members are designed to dynamically change their biasing state based on the tool accessory status. When no tool is attached, the spring biases holding members toward the closed position for secure retention. When a tool is attached, the holding members automatically transition to an open position, releasing the tool. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between secure retention and easy attachment/detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the presence or absence of the tool accessory itself to trigger the state change of the holding members. The tool accessory's own insertion or removal action automatically causes the holding members to open or close through the spring mechanism, without requiring external actuation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate locking/unlocking operations.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to hold holding members in closed position, then retention reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the holding members themselves. The holding members serve dual purposes: they both clamp the tool accessory and act as the locking mechanism through their biased closed position. The spring that provides the clamping force also provides the locking action, eliminating the need for a separate locking mechanism and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding members are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide clamping force to secure the tool, act as a locking mechanism through their biased position, and automatically release when the tool is inserted or removed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If holding members are designed to be always open for easy tool exchange, then ease of operation is improved, but retention reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding members dynamically adjust their state based on operational needs. They maintain a biased closed position for secure tool retention during operation, but automatically open when a tool is inserted or removed, facilitating easy tool exchange. This dynamic state change ensures both reliable retention and ease of operation at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring biasing mechanism pre-positions the holding members in a state that prevents premature tool release. The biasing force maintains the holding members in a closed, secure position during normal operation, preventing accidental tool drop-off. However, this same biasing mechanism automatically releases when the tool is inserted, enabling easy tool exchange without requiring the holding members to be always open.
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
This design enables secure retention of tool accessories during operation while allowing for easy attachment and detachment, enhancing user convenience and tool accessibility with a simplified one-touch operation mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The moving mechanism includes a biasing member (e.g., a spring) configured to bias the holding members toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a spindle, holding members each having a claw, a biasing member, and a locking member. The holding members are movable between a first position, in which the holding members fixedly hold a tool accessory against a tool mounting part of the spindle with the claws pressed against the tool accessory owing to a biasing force of the biasing member, and a second position, in which the holding members do not impede or block attachment or detachment of the tool accessory. The locking member is configured to move between a locking position, in which the locking member abut on the claws of the holding members to hold the holding members in the second position, and an unlocking position, in which the locking member does not impede or block the holding members from moving from the second position to the first position.