Non-Circular Tool Bit Holders With Self-Aligning Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insertion of non-circular tool bits into bit holders is often cumbersome due to the need for manual alignment, which slows down the process as users must rotate the bit until it aligns with the corresponding hole, especially for bits with smooth surfaces like hex or SDS-max bits.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tool bit holder and tool bit designs that incorporate a non-circular profile and an alignment region, such as a chamfer or swept profile, to facilitate automatic alignment of the bit with the holder, allowing for insertion in any orientation and reducing the need for manual rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-circular tool bits are used, then the tool bits can provide specialized functionality for specific applications, but the bits require manual alignment and rotation during insertion which slows down the insertion process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-formed alignment regions (chamfers or swept profiles) on both the tool bit and bit holder before insertion. These alignment features are manufactured in advance to automatically guide the bit into the correct rotational position during insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment and rotation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment region acts as an intermediary element between the non-circular profile of the tool bit and the corresponding recess in the bit holder. This intermediary feature facilitates the transition from random orientation to proper alignment, enabling automatic positioning without requiring the user to manually rotate the bit.
2Ease of manufacture
If non-circular profiles are used without alignment regions, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the insertion process becomes cumbersome requiring manual rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment regions are incorporated into the manufacturing process of both the tool bit and bit holder. By using standard machining or molding operations to create chamfers or swept profiles, the alignment features are added with minimal additional manufacturing complexity while dramatically improving insertion ease.
3Ease of operation
If alignment regions are added to non-circular profiles, then automatic alignment during insertion is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment regions are applied locally only to the insertion end of the tool bit and the corresponding recess of the bit holder, rather than modifying the entire tool bit structure. This localized approach maintains the non-circular profile for specialized functionality while adding alignment capability only where needed for insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment regions modify the geometric parameters (angle, radius, or profile shape) of the insertion surface without changing the fundamental non-circular cross-section of the tool bit. This allows automatic alignment to be achieved through parameter adjustments rather than structural redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool bit connectable to a tool. The tool bit including a tool body having a working end portion, an insertion end portion, and an outer surface formed on the insertion end portion. The insertion end portion defines an end of the tool body and configured to be coupled to the tool. The tool bit also includes a non-circular profile formed on the tool body and partially defining the outer surface, and an alignment region positioned between the non-circular profile and the end of the tool body. The alignment region partially defines the outer surface to facilitate alignment of the non-circular profile with the tool.