Tool Attachment Angular Position Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handling of tool attachments for handheld power tools is cumbersome and complicated, leading to discomfort for users due to the complexity in changing the angular position.

Innovation Solution

A tool attachment with an attachment housing featuring an angular position adjustment unit that can be actuated via a combined longitudinal and rotary movement, allowing for easy change in angular position without needing to unlock the locking unit first, and a locking unit with a bayonet-style connection for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking unit is used to secure the tool attachment in a predetermined angular position, then the reliability of the angular position is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the locking unit must be actuated before and after angle adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position stabilityVSAvoidangle position adjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit is designed to dynamically switch between locked and unlocked states through a single actuation action. The actuating element can be pressed to unlock, allowing angle adjustment, and automatically locks when released, eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element pre-loads the locking mechanism into the locked state. When the actuating element is released after angle adjustment, the spring automatically restores the locking elements to their locking position, performing the locking action in advance before the user needs to adjust the angle again.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the angle position adjustment unit requires unlocking the locking unit first, then the manufacturing precision of the locking mechanism is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to the additional steps required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism precisionVSAvoidangle position change speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking and angle adjustment functions are segmented into independent operational phases. The locking unit handles securement with high precision through its locking elements, while the angle adjustment unit handles position changes. The actuating element serves as a transition mechanism between these phases, allowing rapid switching without compromising either function's precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If a bayonet-style locking connection is used, then the strength of the attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the combined locking and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmounting interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit and angle position adjustment unit are merged into a single integrated mounting interface. The actuating element controls both the locking state and enables angle adjustment, while the locking elements and angle adjustment elements work together in a unified structure, reducing overall system complexity despite maintaining high attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2745990B1Tool attachment for a hand tool machine
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2745990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2745990B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2745990B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The tool attachment has a fastening interface fastened at a hand-held power tool (100). The fastening interface is provided with an angular position setting unit for setting a given angular position of main portion and with a locking unit for locking the main portion in the given angular position in a locking state and in the unlocking state. The angular position setting unit is actuatable in the locking state of the locking unit, to allow an alteration in the given angular position. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) hand-held power tool; and (2) tool system.