Cutting Depth Limiting Device With Spring-Loaded Pre-Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting depth limiting devices for portable machine tools lack convenient adjustability and automatic latching functionality, requiring separate operation of fixing elements to set cutting depths, which complicates the process and limits user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A cutting depth limiting device with a movably mounted stop element and a spring-loaded pre-positioning element that automatically transfers the fixing element into a release position, allowing for adjustable cutting depths without separate operation of the fixing element, utilizing a spring-loaded locking bolt and latching tracks for secure positioning and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixing element is used to secure the stop element in position, then the cutting depth can be fixed securely, but the adjustment process becomes more complex and less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure positioning of stop elementVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-positioning element automatically moves the fixing element to the release position before the user needs to adjust the stop element. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual intervention to release the fixing element, making adjustment convenient while maintaining secure positioning during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the weight of the power tool housing itself to activate the pre-positioning element, which in turn releases the fixing element. The system serves itself by using its own operational state (housing position) to trigger the adjustment mechanism, eliminating separate fixing operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the stop element is fixed in position, then cutting depth precision is maintained, but the ability to adjust cutting depth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting depth precisionVSAvoidadjustability of cutting depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element transitions between fixed and movable states based on operational needs. During normal operation, it locks the stop element for precision; during adjustment, it releases to allow repositioning. This dynamic behavior provides both precision and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-positioning element prepares the fixing element for adjustment by moving it to the release position before the user adjusts the stop element. This ensures the fixing element is ready to release, enabling smooth adjustment while maintaining precision during cutting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a separate operation is required to operate the fixing element, then secure locking is achieved, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-positioning element and fixing element are combined into a single integrated mechanism. The pre-positioning element automatically activates the fixing element's release function, merging two separate operations (positioning and locking) into one unified system that reduces operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages the fixing element's state transitions using the power tool housing's own weight and position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate user operations to engage or disengage the locking function, simplifying the overall device operation

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

Enables convenient and precise adjustment of cutting depths with automatic latching, enhancing user convenience and mobility of the stop element relative to the guide element, while ensuring secure positioning and easy operation.

Implementation Method 1

The stop unit comprises at least one spring element, which acts on the pre-positioning element with a spring force, in particular with a spring force in a direction facing away from the stop element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2869974B1Depth cut limiting device
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2869974B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2869974B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2869974B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention proceeds from a cutting-depth limiting device for portable power tools, having at least one cutting-depth guide unit (14) and having at least one stop unit (16) which has at least one movably mounted stop element (18) and at least one fixing element (20) for fixing the stop element (18) in at least one position. It is proposed that the stop unit (16) comprises at least one pre-positioning element (22) which subjects the fixing element (20) in at least one state to a force in the direction of a releasing position of the fixing element (20).