In-tool Wrench Storage with Spring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power hand tools lack a secure and noise-reducing mechanism for storing wrenches, often requiring multiple components and causing scratches or misalignment issues, while also failing to provide clear positive feedback for proper insertion.
Innovation Solution
A hand power tool system with a housing containing a storage compartment and a spring mechanism that aligns the wrench securely, minimizing component count and noise, using a protuberance to ensure proper alignment and a second spring for the on/off switch to assist in operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coil spring is positioned within the housing to provide positive feedback for wrench insertion, then the user receives tactile feedback indicating proper insertion, but the coil spring generates scratches on the wrench and requires modification to both halves of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the coil spring from the housing structure and replaces it with a friction-based retention mechanism using a ramp surface and biased spring. This extraction eliminates the scratching problem caused by coil springs while maintaining the positive feedback function through the ramp's tactile resistance change during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ramp surface as an intermediary element between the wrench and the housing. This ramp provides the necessary tactile feedback during insertion without requiring a coil spring, thereby eliminating scratches while maintaining the user feedback mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a coil spring is positioned within both halves of the housing to provide positive feedback, then the user receives tactile feedback, but the assembly process becomes complex requiring precise alignment of the spring between housing halves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coil spring from the housing assembly entirely and replaces it with a friction-based retention mechanism. This eliminates the need for precise spring alignment between housing halves during assembly, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the positive feedback function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex, precision-aligned coil spring mechanism with a simpler, more forgiving friction-based system using a ramp and biased spring. This approach is easier to manufacture and assemble, reducing device complexity while achieving the same functional outcome.
3Device complexity
If the storage compartment uses a friction fit to hold the wrench, then the wrench is retained without additional components, but there is no positive indication to the user that the wrench is firmly held
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a ramp surface that provides tactile feedback during wrench insertion. As the wrench engages with the ramp, the user experiences a sudden reduction in resistance, providing positive feedback that the wrench is properly inserted and securely retained, while maintaining the simple friction-fit design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides secure storage with reduced noise and component complexity, offering clear positive feedback on wrench insertion and smooth operation of the on/off switch, enhancing user experience and tool quality perception.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism that aligns the wrench securely
Implementation Method 2
The sudden lessening of resistance provides positive feedback to the user that the component has been inserted into the tool
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a method and device for a hand power tool which includes a housing, a storage compartment within the housing, a wrench for manipulating a collet bit attachment structure, a portion of the wrench sized to fit within the storage compartment, a first spring extending into the storage cavity and positioned to bias the portion of the wrench against an inner wall of the storage compartment and a protuberance positioned on the housing, such that when the portion of the wrench is partially within the cavity, the protuberance causes a first misalignment between the longitudinal axis of the storage compartment and the longitudinal axis of the wrench and when the portion of the wrench is fully within the cavity, the protuberance does not cause a misalignment between the longitudinal axis of the storage compartment and the longitudinal axis of the wrench as large as the first misalignment.