Compact Tool Bit Connector With Funnel Hook Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool connectors are bulky due to their large volume, prone to jamming, and require complex manual operation for mode switching, making them inconvenient to use and susceptible to accidental release.
Innovation Solution
A tool connector with a simplified structure featuring a socket assembly, sliding member, elastic members, and a hook member that uses elastic forces and positioning grooves to easily grasp and release tool bits, preventing accidental release through a funnel-shaped design and magnetic attraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a structure including an outer sleeve and an inner tube is used to control the positioning member, then the tool connector can achieve mode switching between release and positioning, but the volume becomes large making the tool connector too big
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outer sleeve and inner tube into a single integrated socket body structure. The socket body includes a receiving space and a through hole that communicates with it, eliminating the need for separate outer sleeve and inner tube components while maintaining the mode switching functionality between release and positioning states.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket body serves multiple functions: it provides the receiving space for the sliding member and positioning member, contains the through hole for positioning member insertion, and defines both the funnel-shaped opening for tool bit insertion and the structural constraints for mode switching. This multi-functional design reduces overall component count and volume.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent the outer sleeve from being accidentally pushed, then accidental release is prevented, but the tool connector becomes inconvenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate outer sleeve component and its associated locking mechanism. Instead, the socket body is designed with an integrated through hole that requires deliberate insertion action of the positioning member, providing inherent protection against accidental release without requiring additional locking components that would complicate operation.
3Ease of operation
If the switching of release mode and positioning mode is made by sliding the outer sleeve by hand, then mode switching is achievable, but it is easy to be accidentally pushed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the outer sleeve component entirely and replaces it with an integrated socket body design. The mode switching is achieved by inserting the positioning member into the through hole, which requires a deliberate two-action sequence (insert positioning member, then it automatically engages) rather than simple sliding, thereby preventing accidental activation while maintaining ease of operation.
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 tool connector is lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to use, with a reduced risk of accidental release, allowing for efficient insertion and removal of tool bits while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic member is biased between the sliding member and the second end of the socket body so that the sliding member tends to move toward the first end
Implementation Method 2
The second elastic member is biased between the positioning member and the sliding member
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic member is used to position the tool bit
Data Source
AI summary
The tool connector includes a socket having a receiving space and a through hole communicating the receiving space, a sliding member slidably received in the receiving space, a positioning member received in the receiving space, and a hook member. A funnel-shaped opening is formed at an end of the receiving space. The sliding member is connected to the socket with an end via a first elastic member, and the other end is for a tool bit to abut against. The positioning member is selectively inserted into the through hole. An end of the hook member is connected to the sliding member, and the other end has a hook portion for grasp the tool bit. When the positioning member is moved inward and the sliding member is moved toward the funnel-shaped opening, the hook portion is swingable in the funnel-shaped opening to release the tool bit.