Oscillating Tool Clamp Mechanism for Easy Accessory Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillating power tools face challenges in easily removing tool accessories due to sticking caused by the inclined surfaces, which complicates the unclamping process and can lead to damage or increased user effort.
Innovation Solution
The power tool design incorporates a push-down mechanism and a biasing spring system that allows for downward movement of the engagement member, enabling easy disengagement of the tool accessory from the spindle by moving it away from the inclined surfaces, facilitating simple removal even when accessories stick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tool accessory is clamped between the clamp shaft and tool mounting part using inclined surfaces, then the clamping reliability is improved, but the ease of removing the tool accessory deteriorates due to sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The push-down member is configured to push down the tool accessory before the engagement member disengages from the clamp shaft. This preliminary action separates the tool accessory from the inclined surfaces of the clamp shaft and tool mounting part, preventing sticking and enabling easy removal. The push-down mechanism activates automatically during the unclamping process, performing the separation action in advance before the clamping force is fully released.
2Device complexity
If the engagement member is held in a fixed position, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to push down the tool accessory during unclamping is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is designed to be movable between a first position (for clamping) and a second position (for unclamping). During unclamping, the engagement member moves downward relative to the clamp shaft, enabling it to push down the tool accessory and prevent sticking. This dynamic positioning allows the engagement member to perform dual functions: holding the clamp shaft during clamping and pushing down the tool accessory during removal, without requiring separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement member moves downward during unclamping, then the tool accessory can be easily removed, but the engagement member must be movable in the vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is designed to perform multiple functions: (1) engage with and hold the clamp shaft in the clamped state, (2) move downward to push down the tool accessory during unclamping, and (3) allow the clamp shaft to be removed in the radially outward direction. By making the engagement member movable in the vertical direction, a single component achieves what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while enabling easy tool accessory removal.
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
This design ensures effortless unclamping and removal of tool accessories, reducing the risk of damage and user effort, while maintaining secure clamping during operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first biasing member is configured to bias the clamp shaft upward toward a clamp position
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a housing, a spindle, a clamp shaft, a first biasing member, an engagement member, a first holding member, a manually operable member and a push-down member. The first biasing member biases the clamp shaft upward. The first holding member holds the engagement member to be movable between a first position and a second position in the up-down direction relative to the first holding member. The manually operable member moves a first one of the engagement member and the first holding member downward in response to a manual unclamping operation. The engagement member moves from the first position to the second position to be movable in the radial direction in response to the manual unclamping operation. The first one of the engagement member and the first holding member pushes down a tool accessory via the push-down member while the first one is moving downward.