Handheld Tool Clutch Collar for Single-Step Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-function handheld electric tools require users to manually select between multiple operating modes, which can be cumbersome and prone to incorrect mode selection due to separate mode selectors for hammer and torque functions.

Innovation Solution

A single mode selector switch that uses a rotatable setting collar to adjust the clutch mechanism, allowing selection between torque limited and non-torque limited modes, ensuring only one mode of operation is selected at a time, with a lockout mechanism to inhibit axial vibrations in torque limited modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate mode selectors are used for hammer and torque functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and user operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode selection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of mode selectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate mode selectors (linear switch for hammer function and rotary collar for torque limit) into a single rotary collar that performs both functions. The collar has multiple positions that independently control hammer engagement and torque limiting, allowing users to select from multiple operating modes (drill, hammer drill, screwdriver) using one component rather than two separate controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single rotary collar serves multiple functions: it selects between hammer and non-hammer modes, adjusts torque limiting levels, and prevents simultaneous engagement of conflicting modes. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components while maintaining comprehensive control over all operating modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mode selectors are provided, then comprehensive mode control is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to multiple selection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating mode coverageVSAvoidmode selection simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging hammer mode selection and torque limit selection into a single rotary collar operation, the patent allows users to select both functions simultaneously with one rotational movement, rather than requiring separate adjustments for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary collar dynamically transitions between different operational states (drill, hammer drill, screwdriver modes) through continuous rotation, allowing users to select the desired mode in a single continuous action rather than through multiple discrete steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single mode selector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of mode selection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of mode selectorsVSAvoidmode selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary collar is designed with specific engagement positions that mechanically ensure proper clutch and hammer mechanism engagement. The dynamic rotation allows the collar to snap into predetermined positions, each corresponding to a specific operational mode, ensuring reliable and unambiguous mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collar position provides visual and tactile feedback to the user about the selected mode, and the mechanical design ensures that only one mode can be selected at a time, preventing incorrect or ambiguous selections and enhancing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate controls are used for hammer and torque functions, then functional independence is maintained, but time consumption increases due to multiple selection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional control independenceVSAvoidmode selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges hammer mode selection and torque limit selection into a single rotary collar operation, allowing users to select both functions simultaneously with one rotational movement, rather than requiring separate adjustments for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar is pre-configured with multiple positions that correspond to different combinations of hammer and torque settings. Users can directly select the desired operational mode in a single action without needing to make preliminary adjustments to separate controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11964376B2Multi-function handheld electric tool

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP

AI summary

A multi-function handheld electric tool includes a motor housing receiving a motor, a settable clutch coupled with a speed reduction transmission, transmission housing coupled to the motor housing and having a first housing portion coupled to the motor housing, and a second housing portion extending from the first portion towards a chuck, and a setting collar which is rotatably fit over the second housing portion of the transmission housing and rotatable between a plurality of predetermined angular positions of which at least one corresponds to a non-torque limited first operation mode of the tool and the remaining positions correspond to different torque output levels of a torque limited second operation mode of the tool.