Tool Holder Sleeve Actuation for Demolition Hammers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-supported impacting machines, such as concrete breakers and demolition hammers, have tool holders that are difficult to operate due to the need for users to manually move latches with their feet, making it cumbersome to fit or remove tools with retaining collars.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder design featuring a manually actuable sleeve that allows locking elements to move between locked and unlocked positions with minimal user effort, independent of the forces exerted on the locking elements, enabling easy tool insertion and removal by hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch is used to retain the tool within the tool holder, then the tool can be securely held during operation, but the latch requires foot actuation to move between locked and unlocked positions, making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is divided into separate functional components: a manually actuable sleeve for operation and locking elements for retention. The sleeve and locking elements are coupled but can move independently, allowing the sleeve to be easily actuated by hand while the locking elements remain engaged with the tool collar during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manually actuable sleeve acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the locking elements. When the sleeve is moved axially, it transfers this motion to the locking elements, causing them to move radially between locked and unlocked positions. This intermediary mechanism allows easy manual operation while maintaining secure tool retention.
2Strength
If the locking element is made strong to withstand impact forces, then the tool can be securely retained during impacting, but the locking element becomes difficult to move manually for tool insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a manually actuable sleeve and separate locking elements. The locking elements are designed to be strong and resilient to withstand impact forces, while the sleeve provides the manual actuation interface. The sleeve and locking elements are coupled such that sleeve movement translates to locking element movement, but the locking elements' strength does not directly impede manual operation of the sleeve.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are made resilient and capable of dynamic movement between locked and unlocked positions. They can deflect under impact loads while maintaining engagement, and can be quickly moved radially when actuated by the sleeve. This dynamic capability allows the locking elements to be both strong during operation and easily movable during tool changes.
3Reliability
If the locking element is made resilient to maintain locked position during vibration, then the tool remains secure during impacting, but the locking element requires significant force to move for tool removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the actuation function (sleeve) from the retention function (locking elements). The locking elements are designed to be resilient and maintain their locked position during vibration and impact. The sleeve provides a mechanical advantage system that allows easy manual movement of the locking elements despite their resilience, by translating axial sleeve movement into radial locking element movement.
4Reliability
If a foot actuated latch is used, then the tool can be retained securely, but the operator must use feet instead of hands, reducing operational efficiency and ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The manually actuable sleeve serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows hand operation of the locking system. The sleeve is coupled to the locking elements such that manual movement of the sleeve translates to movement of the locking elements, enabling tool retention and release using hands rather than feet, thereby improving operational efficiency and ergonomics.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder for a hand supported impacting machine, which tool holder is suitable for receiving a tool having a shank portion on which is formed a retaining collar. The tool holder includes a tubular main body for receiving the tool and at least one locking element moveably mounted with respect to the main body and having an engaging portion moveable between a radially inner locked position in which the engaging portion is engageable with the retaining collar of the tool and a radially outer unlocked position in which a tool can be inserted into or removed from the tool holder. The tool holder additionally comprises a manually actuable sleeve moveable between a locked position in which the locking elements are held in their locked position and an unlocked position in which the engaging portions of the locking elements are moveable to their unlocked position.