Oscillating Power Tool 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 an eccentric member and a forked member with an amplitude adjustment actuator that allows for the conversion of motor rotation into oscillating rotation, enabling adjustable angular amplitude by moving the eccentric member relative to the forked member, thereby accommodating different operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed oscillation 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 mechanism where the oscillation amplitude can be dynamically changed during operation. The drive mechanism includes an eccentric member with adjustable eccentricity, allowing the operator to modify the oscillation stroke length to match different operational requirements such as cutting depth or sanding intensity, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and operational adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of eccentricity in the drive mechanism to achieve variable oscillation amplitude. By adjusting the position of the eccentric member relative to the rotation axis, the oscillation characteristics can be modified without changing the fundamental structure of the device, enabling versatility while maintaining structural simplicity
2Productivity
If the oscillation amplitude is fixed, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the productivity for different tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable oscillation mechanism allows the tool to adapt its oscillation amplitude to different tasks, improving productivity for both light-duty and heavy-duty operations. The mechanism uses a sliding or adjustable eccentric member that can be repositioned along the drive shaft, providing variable oscillation stroke without requiring multiple fixed-amplitude mechanisms, thus enhancing productivity while keeping manufacturing complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjustable drive mechanism serves multiple functions by providing a range of oscillation amplitudes suitable for different accessories and operations. Rather than manufacturing separate mechanisms for different applications, one universal adjustable mechanism replaces multiple fixed mechanisms, improving productivity across various tasks while maintaining ease of manufacture
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 an oscillating power tool with infinitely adjustable angular amplitude, enhancing its versatility and effectiveness in various operations by allowing operators to customize the oscillation stroke length according to the specific requirements of the accessory being used.
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.