Oscillating Tool Eccentric Drive for Variable Angular Amplitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillating power tools lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting the angular amplitude of oscillation, which limits their versatility and effectiveness in various operations such as cutting and sanding.
Innovation Solution
The oscillating power tool incorporates a drive mechanism with an eccentric member and a forked member that converts rotary motion into oscillating motion, along with an amplitude adjustment actuator that allows for infinite adjustment of the angular amplitude by moving the eccentric member relative to the forked member, enabling the tool to oscillate between defined extremes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed oscillation amplitude mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different operations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable oscillation amplitude mechanism where the eccentric member can be repositioned along the drive shaft to different locations, allowing the oscillation amplitude to be dynamically changed according to different operational requirements. This transforms a static system into a dynamic one that can adapt to various cutting, sanding, and grinding tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the oscillation amplitude parameter by adjusting the position of the eccentric member relative to the drive shaft. By moving the eccentric member to different positions (changing the eccentricity distance), the oscillation amplitude can be varied to optimize performance for different operations while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
2Productivity
If a fixed oscillation amplitude is used, then the mechanism is simple, but the effectiveness in various operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable eccentric member position mechanism allows the oscillation amplitude to be dynamically modified during operation. The operator can adjust the eccentric member to different positions on the drive shaft to optimize the oscillation amplitude for specific tasks such as cutting, sanding, or grinding, thereby improving operational effectiveness without requiring multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the position parameter of the eccentric member along the drive shaft, the oscillation amplitude parameter is directly controlled. This allows optimization of the oscillation characteristics for different materials and operations, enhancing productivity and effectiveness while maintaining a single integrated tool design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the eccentric member is made movable to adjust amplitude, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric member is designed to be movable along the drive shaft with a simple positioning mechanism that allows it to be secured at different locations. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility for different oscillation amplitudes while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple through the use of basic positioning features rather than complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution provides a power tool with adjustable oscillation amplitude, enhancing its operational flexibility and effectiveness across different tasks by allowing the operator to select the optimal oscillation range from a minimum to a maximum angle, thereby improving performance and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric member configured to rotate off center about the motor axis
Data Source
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AI summary
An oscillating power tool including a housing, a motor including a drive shaft rotatable about a motor axis, an output spindle configured to be driven by the motor and journaled for oscillating rotation about an oscillation axis, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to convert rotation of the drive shaft into oscillating rotation of the output spindle about the oscillation axis and includes an eccentric member and a forked member. Oscillating rotation of the forked member has an angular amplitude about the oscillation axis. The eccentric member is movable with respect to the forked member to change the angular amplitude of oscillating rotation of the forked member. An amplitude adjustment actuator is configured to move the eccentric member to change the angular amplitude of oscillating rotation of the forked member. The amplitude adjustment actuator defines a receptacle. At least a portion of the forked member is disposed in the receptacle.