Circular Saw Base Alignment Using Gauge Plate and Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circular saws face challenges in efficiently aligning the saw unit with the base, particularly during assembly and maintenance, leading to tolerance buildup and inaccurate cutting directions.

Innovation Solution

The circular saw design incorporates a gauge plate and bevel angle adjustment brackets that allow for precise alignment of the saw unit relative to the base through a five-fastener tightening sequence, ensuring uniform torque distribution and accurate positioning using gauge locating surfaces and slots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional alignment methods are used for the saw unit and base, then assembly is simpler, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to tolerance buildup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A gauge plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the saw unit and base. The gauge plate includes gauge locating surfaces that interface with corresponding surfaces on the base and saw unit, serving as a mediator to establish precise alignment. This intermediary component allows for accurate alignment without requiring complex direct alignment mechanisms between the saw unit and base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simpler gauge-based system. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages or adjustment mechanisms for alignment, the invention uses a gauge plate with precisely machined locating surfaces that physically define the correct position and orientation. This substitution of mechanical alignment systems with gauge-based positioning achieves high precision while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If multiple fasteners are used to secure the saw unit, then connection strength improves, but torque distribution uniformity deteriorates without proper tightening sequence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidtorque distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a predetermined tightening sequence for the multiple fasteners that must be followed during assembly. This preliminary planning of the tightening process ensures that torque is distributed uniformly across all fastener locations. By establishing the tightening sequence before actual assembly, the system achieves uniform torque distribution and prevents distortion or misalignment that would occur with random or haphazard tightening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the saw unit is fixed rigidly to the base, then structural stability improves, but adjustability for beveling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbevel adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into multiple independent fastening points rather than a single rigid connection. The gauge plate and multiple fasteners create discrete connection points that allow the saw unit to be secured firmly to the base while still permitting angular adjustment for beveling operations. This segmentation of the connection system enables both structural stability during cutting and adaptability for different cutting angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4043134B1Circular saw with adjustable base
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP
  • EP4043134B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4043134B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4043134B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A circular saw (100) including a base (104) defining a longitudinal axis (114). The circular saw (100) further includes a front bevel angle adjustment bracket (196) proximate a front end of the base and a rear bevel angle adjustment bracket (200) proximate a rear end of the base (104). The circular saw (100) further includes a saw unit (112) coupled to the base (104) via the front bevel angle adjustment bracket (196) and the rear bevel angle adjustment bracket (200). The circular saw (100) further comprises a first fastener (212A) extending through a first elongated slot (210A) in one of the base or the front bevel angle adjustment bracket (196) and a second fastener (212B) extending through a second elongated slot (176B) in one of the base (104) or the rear bevel angle adjustment bracket. Each of the first (210A) and second (176B) elongated slots extends along a lateral axis (160) oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis (114) of the base (104) to permit lateral adjustment of the saw unit (112) relative to the base (104).