Electric Rebar Bending Tool Layout for Balanced Weight

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic rebar bending tools are heavy, require high maintenance, and have limited design flexibility for optimal weight distribution, making them cumbersome and inefficient for construction workers.

Innovation Solution

A portable electric power tool with a plastic clamshell housing, a DC brushless motor, and a bevel gear transmission system that balances weight distribution by locating the motor and battery along the handle axis, allowing for improved ergonomic design and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If hydraulic mechanisms are used for rebar bending, then bending force is sufficient, but tool weight increases and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending forceVSAvoidtool weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor (246) coupled with a transmission mechanism (250) provides the necessary bending force through mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps, fluid reservoirs, and associated components. This substitution significantly reduces tool weight while maintaining sufficient bending force for rebar manipulation.

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

2Force

If hydraulic mechanisms are used for rebar bending, then bending force is sufficient, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending forceVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor-driven system eliminates hydraulic fluid seals, hoses, and pumps that require regular maintenance and are prone to leakage. The electric motor and transmission mechanism have fewer moving parts subject to wear and contamination, resulting in lower maintenance requirements and higher reliability in construction environments.

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

3Productivity

If internal features are arranged for optimal functionality, then tool performance is improved, but weight distribution is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool performanceVSAvoidweight distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the electric motor (246) and transmission mechanism (250) along the longitudinal axis (C-C) of the handle, utilizing the length dimension of the tool housing. This axial arrangement allows the heavy components to be distributed along the handle axis, achieving balanced weight distribution that improves ergonomics and user comfort while maintaining optimal functionality of the bending mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Volume of moving object

If tool housing space is limited, then tool portability is improved, but design flexibility for feature arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool housing volumeVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism (250) is nested within the handle structure, with planetary gear stages compactly arranged around the motor output shaft. This nested configuration maximizes the utilization of available space within the tool housing, allowing all necessary components to be contained in a portable-sized tool while maintaining design flexibility for optimal component placement and weight distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The tool provides a balanced and lightweight solution for bending rebar, enhancing user comfort and reducing maintenance needs while allowing for flexible positioning of internal features for improved weight distribution and tool functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a DC brushless motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a bevel gear transmission system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4458485A1Portable electric power tool for bending elongate objects
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP4458485A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4458485A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4458485A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A portable electric power tool for bending elongate objects comprising an electric motor having a motor output shaft, a bend mechanism having a support portion and a bias portion and which is operatively coupled to the motor output shaft via a transmission of the tool which in use causes linear relative movement between the bias portion and the support portion for causing force to be applied by the bend mechanism to an elongate object in use at different locations along the length of the elongate object for bending the elongate object, the transmission comprising a conversion mechanism for converting torque into a linear force for causing said linear relative movement between the bias portion and the support portion.