Adjustable Carrier and Pivoting Stop for Miter Saw Workpiece Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine tools like circular table saws and chop and miter saws face challenges in achieving precise saw cuts for large workpieces, as the workpiece support surfaces are often insufficiently sized, leading to imprecise cutting and the need for additional support mechanisms that require precise adjustment and actuation of workpiece stops.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a pivoting workpiece stop with a manually operable rod lock and an additional carrier system that allows for adjustable support surfaces, where the workpiece stop can be lowered into a recess in the passive position and easily raised into an active position using an actuating handle, and a rod displacement guide with a precise, asymmetrically designed rod lock for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If an additional carrier is attached to extend the workpiece support surface, then the support area for large workpieces is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the rod displacement guide and locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece support surface areaVSAvoidrod displacement guide structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece support surface is divided into a basic carrier and an additional carrier that can be attached separately. The additional carrier includes an end stop that can be adjusted independently, allowing the support area to be extended without complicating the basic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rod displacement guide is designed as a separate, extractable component rather than an integrated part of the carrier. This allows the additional carrier to be attached or removed independently, simplifying the overall device while providing extended support when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the workpiece stop is made adjustable between passive and active positions, then the ease of operation during transport and use is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the parallelogram link guide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece stop actuationVSAvoidparallelogram link guide
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a complex parallelogram link guide to raise the workpiece stop, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the workpiece stop to be lowered into a recess under its own weight or with minimal force. The actuating handle simply releases the stop from the recess rather than mechanically raising it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The workpiece stop is designed with dynamic positioning capability, moving between a passive lowered position (in the recess) and an active raised position. This dynamic design allows the stop to adapt to different operational states without requiring complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the rod lock is designed for precise manual operation, then the manufacturing precision of the workpiece support positioning is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the manual adjustment requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece support positioning precisionVSAvoidmanual rod lock adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rod lock mechanism is designed to maintain precision through its inherent mechanical properties rather than requiring complex adjustment procedures. The asymmetric design with blocking element and spring provides automatic positioning and locking, allowing precise operation with minimal manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration ensures precise positioning and secure locking of the workpiece, maintaining intended dimensions and preventing damage during handling and transport, while simplifying the actuation of the workpiece stop and enhancing the machine's overall precision and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (20) which acts on the blocking element (19) with a blocking force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the workpiece stop (15) itself is pivoted at one end on the additional carrier (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2198999B1Tool machine, in particular mitre saw and mitre box saw
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 METABOWERKE
  • EP2198999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2198999B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2198999B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The tool has a carrier (1) forming a work piece supporting surface (2), and an additional carrier attached at a side of the carrier and forming an additional surface. The additional surface is adjustable with respect to the carrier between a base position close to the carrier and a distance position remote from the carrier. A lateral work piece stop is attached on the additional surface, and is adjustable between a passive position and an active position that is provided above the additional surface.