Quick-Release Tool Adapter With Ball Stops for Rotatable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool adapters for manual and powered tools face limitations such as increased vibrations, restricted accessory rotation, and inability to accommodate smaller accessories due to fixed shank designs, which hinder ergonomic usage and torque capacity.
Innovation Solution
A tool adapter assembly featuring a quick release coupler with a spindle and ball stop system, allowing for secure and adjustable mounting of accessories with optional crenellation for enhanced stability, enabling both fixed and rotating positions, and accommodating various tool types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hex key shank is permanently affixed to the accessory, then the accessory can be securely attached to the reciprocating shaft, but the accessory cannot be rotated and only one accessory can be manipulated at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into separate components: a removable adapter body that attaches to the reciprocating shaft, and interchangeable accessories that attach to the adapter body. This segmentation allows the accessory to be separated from the shaft connection mechanism, enabling rotation and quick interchange while maintaining secure attachment through the ball stop engagement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates a dynamic ball stop mechanism with multiple engagement positions. The ball stop can engage with different positions on the adapter body, allowing the accessory to be locked in various rotational positions or allowed to rotate freely, providing both security and versatility.
2Reliability
If the shank is permanently affixed to the accessory, then the accessory is securely mounted, but smaller accessories cannot pass through narrow openings
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two parts: the adapter body remains attached to the shaft, while the accessory connects only to the adapter body. This allows the accessory to be shorter and more compact, enabling it to pass through narrow openings while the adapter body provides the secure mounting interface with the shaft.
3Reliability
If a blade tang design is used for accessory attachment, then the accessory can be securely mounted, but the surface contact area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body features a cylindrical geometry with curved surfaces that provide extensive surface contact area with both the reciprocating shaft and the accessory. This cylindrical design replaces the limited flat blade tang interface, distributing forces over a larger area and improving attachment security.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed position mounting system is used, then the accessory remains stable, but the user cannot adjust ergonomic stance
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a dynamic ball stop mechanism that can engage with multiple positions on the adapter body. This allows the user to adjust the accessory to different rotational positions and angles, optimizing ergonomic stance while maintaining stability through ball stop engagement at the selected position.
Data Source
AI summary
Tool adapter assemblies are presented including: a quick release coupler including: a spindle defining a partial cylindrical cavity, the spindle including a base portion, a body portion, and an end portion where the body portion includes a number of ball stop recesses; a number of ball stops slidingly engaged with the number of ball stop recesses; and a sleeve slidingly coupled with the spindle, where the sleeve is configured to lock and release the ball stops; and an accessory connector including at least one of: one or more annular grooves configured to engage with number of ball stops, a number of detents configured to engage with number of ball stops, or both the annular groove and the number of detents; and an accessory engagement portion positioned along a proximal end of the accessory connector.