Tool Head Coupler With Latch Collar for Secure Shaft Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools face operational, performance, and safety risks due to insecure or incomplete coupling of tool heads with power units, leading to potential mechanical failures and unsafe usage.
Innovation Solution
An attachment apparatus with a drive shaft, latch, coupler, and collar system that provides robust coupling by allowing selective attachment and retention of tool heads, ensuring secure engagement and preventing unsafe combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but coupling security and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a drive shaft with groove for torque transmission, a latch with notch for positional locking, a coupler body with cavity for reception, and a collar for securing. Each segment performs a specific function, achieving reliable coupling through coordinated interaction of simplified components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is positioned within the cavity of the coupler, and the collar extends around the coupler, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are housed within larger ones. This nesting reduces overall complexity by integrating multiple functions into a compact hierarchical structure while maintaining secure coupling.
2Reliability
If a robust coupling mechanism is used, then coupling security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically engages with the groove when the drive shaft is inserted into the cavity, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The collar can be articulated to secure the latch in place, creating a self-servicing attachment system that achieves robust coupling through inherent mechanical features rather than externally controlled mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If selective attachment features are added, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler with its cavity and latch opening serves multiple functions: it receives various drive shafts, positions the latch for engagement, and provides a secure attachment interface. This universal design allows the same attachment mechanism to work with different tool heads and power units, achieving adaptability without requiring multiple specialized components for each tool combination.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assembly and an attachment apparatus are provided, including a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal direction and forming a groove. A latch includes a notch configured to extend into the groove at the drive shaft. A coupler extends along the longitudinal direction and forms a cavity extending along the longitudinal direction. A tool end opening is formed at the first end of the coupler through which the drive shaft extends into the cavity along the longitudinal direction. The coupler forms a latch opening extending along the longitudinal direction and into the cavity. The latch is positioned in the cavity through the latch opening. A collar extends at least partially around the coupler. The collar is articulatable along the longitudinal direction around the latch opening.