Hand-Held Cut-Off Machine Flange Layout for Deeper Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable, hand-held cut-off machines achieve cutting depths that are lower than the maximum potential due to oversized flange diameters, which restrict the cutting depth determined by the difference between the wheel diameter and the minimum flange diameter.

Innovation Solution

The cut-off machine is designed with a flange diameter corresponding to the minimum flange diameter, and the protective hood, supporting housing part, and transmission device have maximum distances from the output axis that are less than or equal to half the minimum flange diameter, allowing for optimal cutting depth within a defined outcut angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a larger flange diameter is used, then the structural stability and safety of the cut-off machine is improved, but the achievable cutting depth is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcutting depth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by reducing the flange diameter from conventional oversized dimensions to the minimum required by safety standards (e.g., from 103 mm to approximately 45-52.5 mm depending on wheel diameter). This parameter reduction directly increases the cutting depth while maintaining structural stability through optimized component design. The transmission device components (pulley, belt, housing) are specifically designed to function reliably with this reduced flange size, resolving the contradiction between flange size and cutting depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If the flange diameter is reduced to minimum size, then the cutting depth is increased, but the structural stability and safety may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting depthVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: flange diameter is set to the minimum safe size, while transmission device components (pulley diameter, belt tension, housing reinforcement) are adjusted to compensate and maintain structural stability. This coordinated parameter optimization allows achieving maximum cutting depth without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating structural reinforcement where needed in the transmission device rather than uniformly increasing the flange size. The housing, mounting brackets, and transmission components are specifically designed with enhanced local strength to compensate for the reduced flange diameter, maintaining overall structural stability while enabling deeper cuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3380273B1Portable, hand held cutting-off machine
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 HILTI AG
  • EP3380273B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3380273B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3380273B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

A hand-held, hand-guided abrasive cutting machine comprising a rotating abrasive cutting disk, a supporting housing part (36), an output shaft which is mounted such that it can rotate about an output axis (40), a drive motor, a transmission device which connects the drive motor to the output shaft, a flange (41) and a protective cover (24) which covers the abrasive cutting disk over a covering region. The abrasive cutting disk is mounted, by means of the flange (41), on the output shaft for conjoint rotation and is surrounded by the protective cover (24). The protective cover (24), the supporting housing part (36) and the transmission device have, over an outcut angle (θ), maximum distances to the output axis (40) which are smaller than or equal to half the flange diameter (df).