Wrist-Envelope Impact Tool for Confined Space Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact wrenches are difficult to maneuver in small work spaces due to their pistol grip-style housing and motor configuration, which limits access and usability in confined areas.
Innovation Solution
The impact tool features a compact design with a motor and battery pack positioned to fit within the user's wrist envelope, allowing for improved maneuverability, featuring a rotatable output shaft, a transmission system, and an impact mechanism that includes a hammer and anvil for efficient torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pistol grip-style housing and motor configuration are used, then the impact wrench provides sufficient power and torque, but it becomes difficult to maneuver in small work spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the motor and output shaft axes to be substantially perpendicular to each other, changing the spatial dimension of force application. This allows the tool to access confined spaces while maintaining torque delivery capability, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and tool size
2Ease of operation
If the motor and battery pack are positioned in a compact arrangement, then the tool fits within the user's wrist envelope for improved maneuverability, but the motor portion extends less from the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the battery pack and motor in a nested arrangement where the battery pack is located below the motor, and both are contained within the housing. This compact nesting allows the tool to fit within the user's wrist envelope while maintaining sufficient motor extension for power delivery
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
This design enables the tool to be used in small spaces that conventional impact wrenches cannot access, providing efficient and ergonomic operation by allowing the user to maneuver the tool throughout the range of motion without interference, enhancing usability in tight work environments.
Implementation Method 1
a motor supported in the housing and defining a first axis
Implementation Method 2
an impact mechanism coupled between the motor and the output shaft and operable to impart a striking rotational force to the output shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An impact tool includes a housing, a motor supported in the housing and defining a first axis, an output shaft rotatably supported in the housing about a second axis oriented substantially normal to the first axis, and an impact mechanism coupled between the motor and the output shaft and operable to impart a striking rotational force to the output shaft.