Tool Shank Holder for One-Handed Tap-to-Impact Driver Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tap holders are cumbersome and difficult to use, especially when wearing gloves, as they require manual stabilization to prevent the tap from falling out, and do not provide a secure or quick connection between taps and impact drivers due to mismatched shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A tool shank holder with a shank-receiving end and a bit-receiving end, featuring direct connectors such as a ball and detent connector for the drive bit and set screw connectors for the tap shank, allowing for secure and quick attachment between taps and impact drivers, enabling one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tap holder is used to connect a tap to an impact driver, then the connection between mismatched tools is enabled, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires manual stabilization to prevent the tap from falling out
Solution Approach 1:
The tap holder is designed with a self-retaining mechanism where the tap automatically secures itself through a spring-loaded collet that grips the tap shank. This eliminates the need for manual stabilization by the operator, as the device serves itself to maintain the connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tap holder acts as an intermediary device between the impact driver and the tap, providing a standardized interface that adapts both tools. The holder includes a driver interface on one end and a tap interface on the other, mediating the connection between mismatched tools while providing secure retention through its internal gripping mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tap holder is used to adapt between mismatched tools, then connection compatibility is achieved, but the attachment process is not quick or secure
Solution Approach 1:
The tap holder employs a dynamic spring-loaded collet mechanism that automatically adjusts to grip the tap shank with consistent force. This dynamic system maintains secure attachment through the entire operation, adapting to variations in tap diameter and providing reliable retention without requiring additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges the adapter function with the retention function into a single integrated component. Rather than requiring separate elements for connection and securing, the tap holder combines these functions, with the collet mechanism simultaneously providing both the adaptive connection and the secure retention in one unified structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tap holder is used to connect taps to impact drivers, then tool compatibility is enabled, but the operation becomes difficult when wearing gloves due to tangled assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The self-retaining mechanism allows the tap to secure itself automatically when inserted into the holder, eliminating the need for the operator to manually manipulate small components. This self-service feature is particularly beneficial when wearing gloves, as it removes the need for fine motor skills that are compromised by glove material.
Solution Approach 2:
The tap holder is designed as a modular assembly with distinct functional segments: the driver interface portion, the collet mechanism, and the tap interface portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation and reducing the complexity of manipulation required when wearing gloves.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool shank holder includes a body comprising a shank-receiving end and a bit-receiving end. The shank-receiving end is configured to operably receive a shank of a tool and the bit-receiving end is configured to operably receive a driver bit. A connector is provided at the shank-receiving end that is configured to directly connect the shank-receiving end to the shank of the tool.