Angle Grinder Bearing Layout for Compact Cooling and Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held power tools face challenges in achieving a compact design while maintaining ergonomic flexibility and efficient cooling, leading to increased weight and reduced usability.

Innovation Solution

The bearing unit is projected into the first housing part, allowing for a more compact drive unit arrangement, enhanced ergonomic design, and improved cooling through strategic air flow management, including an air inlet opening and air guide disk, which directs air flow around the drive unit to enhance cooling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bearing unit is arranged entirely in the second housing part, then the drive unit can be supported properly, but the overall tool length increases and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidtool length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing unit is positioned to extend across the interface between the first and second housing parts, utilizing the axial dimension to reduce the radial footprint. This dimensional transition allows the drive unit to be supported while maintaining a compact overall tool length and improving ergonomics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the drive unit is made compact by shortening the drive shaft, then the tool size is reduced, but the bearing arrangement becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive unit volumeVSAvoidbearing arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing unit is integrated with both the first housing part (gear housing) and the second housing part (motor housing), merging the support functions into a single unified component. This integration simplifies the overall bearing arrangement while maintaining compact drive unit dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the bearing unit protrudes into the first housing part, then the drive unit can be positioned more favorably for compactness, but the gear housing space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive unit compactnessVSAvoidgear housing space
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing unit is divided into functional zones: one portion is supported by the first housing part (utilizing gear housing space for bearing support) while another portion extends into the second housing part (providing drive unit support). This segmentation allows both housing parts to contribute to the overall support structure, achieving compact drive unit positioning without completely sacrificing gear housing space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 results in a more compact, ergonomic, and efficiently cooled hand-held power tool that is lighter and more user-friendly, with improved ventilation and cooling capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an air inlet opening and air guide disk, which directs air flow around the drive unit to enhance cooling efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3976316B1Hand-held power tool
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3976316B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3976316B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3976316B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hand-held power tool, in particular an angle grinder, with a drive unit (13), a machine housing (15), in particular comprising a first housing part (17), which is designed as a transmission housing, and a second housing part (19), which surrounds the drive unit (13), and a bearing unit (25), in particular a bearing housing (27), for supporting the drive unit (13). According to the invention, the bearing unit (25) protrudes into the first housing part (17).