Insert Tool Magazine Switch Mechanism for One-Handed Bit Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held power tools with insert tool magazines lack a user-friendly mechanism for easily and safely activating the drive motor and loading selected tools into the tool holder, often requiring complex operations and risking unintentional tool release.

Innovation Solution

A hand switch that can be actuated from an unloaded rest position to a loading position and a working position, connected to a loading device with a lever arm, slide, and locking element, allowing for simple and safe movement of the insert tool from the magazine into the tool holder, with a locking mechanism to prevent unintended release, and a rotatable insert tool magazine for easy tool selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate manual sliding device is used to load tools, then the tool loading mechanism is simple, but the operation complexity increases and user-friendliness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool loading operationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hand switch (for motor activation) and the loading device (for tool insertion) into a single integrated control mechanism. When the user actuates the hand switch, it simultaneously triggers both the motor activation and the loading device operation, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and reducing overall control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hand switch serves multiple functions: it activates the drive motor and simultaneously controls the loading device to insert the selected tool into the tool holder. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate controls needed and simplifies the user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the insert tool magazine is fixed, then the structure is simple, but tool selection becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool selectionVSAvoidmagazine mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert tool magazine is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing the user to easily select different tools by rotating the magazine to bring the desired tool into position. This dynamic element adds minimal complexity while significantly improving ease of operation for tool selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the loading element is not locked, then the mechanism is simpler, but accidental tool release becomes a risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool retentionVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is automatically actuated by the loading device itself during the tool loading process. When the loading element pushes the selected tool into the tool holder, the locking element engages automatically to secure the tool, eliminating the need for a separate manual locking action and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4188650B1Hand-held power tool with an insert tool magazine
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4188650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4188650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4188650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hand-held power tool (100), in particular a power screwdriver, comprising a housing (105) in which at least one drive motor (180) is arranged for driving a tool receiving area (140). The drive motor (180) can be activated via a manual switch (130), and the tool receiving area (140) is designed to receive an insert tool (191). The hand-held power tool also comprises an insert tool magazine (150) for storing a plurality of selectable insert tools (196). According to the invention, the manual switch (130) can be actuated in order to load a selected insert tool (191) arranged in the insert tool magazine (150) in the axial direction (102) of the drive motor (180) from the insert tool magazine (150) into the tool receiving area (140) and in order to activate the drive motor (180).