Tool Bit Extension Adapter With Nested Locking for Deep Drilling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extension adapters for tool bits do not effectively secure tool bits to power tools, particularly in applications where the tool bit diameter exceeds the adapter's maximum outer diameter, leading to instability and limited drilling depth.

Innovation Solution

The extension adapter features a body with a bore to receive the tool bit, a collar that moves between unlocked and locked positions, and a retaining member with a biasing mechanism to securely engage the tool bit, ensuring it remains locked during operation while maintaining a maximum outer diameter to bore diameter ratio of 2.5 or less, allowing for secure coupling and extended drilling capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the adapter's maximum outer diameter is increased to accommodate larger tool bits, then the tool bit securing capability is improved, but the ratio of maximum outer diameter to bore diameter exceeds 2.5, causing instability and limited drilling depth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool bit securing capabilityVSAvoiddrilling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member is nested within the adapter body, with the retaining member's major dimension being smaller than the adapter's maximum outer diameter. This nested configuration allows the retaining member to effectively secure tool bits while maintaining a compact adapter profile that meets the diameter ratio requirement, thereby preserving drilling stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter employs a localized retaining mechanism with a specific major dimension that is optimized for securing tool bits of various diameters. This localized quality approach allows the adapter to effectively secure tool bits without increasing the overall maximum outer diameter, maintaining the required ratio and ensuring drilling stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the tool bit, then the tool bit retention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool bit retentionVSAvoidadapter structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter employs a self-service locking mechanism where the retaining member automatically engages with the tool bit upon insertion. The biasing mechanism provides automatic retention without requiring additional control elements or complex actuation systems, thereby achieving reliable tool bit retention while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted as a separate retaining member with a biasing mechanism, independent of the main adapter body structure. This extraction allows the locking mechanism to be optimized for simplicity and reliability without adding unnecessary complexity to the overall adapter design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the adapter design is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the capability to secure tool bits of varying diameters is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtool bit diameter accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal retaining mechanism that can accommodate tool bits of varying diameters. The retaining member's positioning and biasing mechanism provide adaptable securing capability across different tool bit sizes, achieving multi-functionality without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter utilizes parameter changes in the retaining member's positioning and biasing force to accommodate different tool bit diameters. By adjusting these parameters within the existing structural framework, the adapter achieves versatility in securing various tool bit sizes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adapter securely couples tool bits of varying diameters to power tools, enabling deeper drilling without the need for manual adjustment, and allows for easy removal post-operation, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing mechanism to move the retaining member between a first position, in which the at least one tool bit is locked to the adapter, and a second position, in which the at least one tool bit is released from the adapter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3694686B1Power tool to tool bit extension adapter
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP3694686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3694686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3694686B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An extension adapter includes a body having a bore. The bore is configured to receive a tool bit. The extension adapter includes a retaining member received within an aperture of the body and a biasing member coupled to the body. The biasing member includes a protrusion received within the aperture to bias the retaining member into a first position in which a portion of the retaining member extends into the bore. The extension adapter includes a collar moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The unlocked position is configured to allow the tool bit to be removed from the bore. While the collar is maintained in the locked position, the body is configured to slidably receive the tool bit such that the portion of the retaining member is received in a groove of the tool bit to secure the tool bit to the body.