Integrated Flange Neck Guard Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held power tools, such as angle grinders, lack effective and space-efficient mechanisms for securely locking protective devices in place, which can lead to unintentional rotation and damage, and existing solutions do not adequately protect internal components from dirt and damage.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held power tool design featuring a latching device integrated into the flange neck with a spring mechanism and form-fit locking system that secures the protective device radially and axially, using a latching element and receptacle, allowing for easy operation and protection of internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a latching device is integrated into the flange neck, then the locking mechanism becomes more space-efficient and internal components are protected from dirt and damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device is merged with the flange neck structure, where the locking lever and latching elements are integrated into the existing flange neck geometry. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking housings or additional mounting structures, achieving space efficiency while distributing the locking function across integrated components rather than adding discrete complex assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The flange neck structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection between the protective device and the power tool, and simultaneously houses the latching mechanism components. The receiving collar and flange neck together provide both structural support and the locking mechanism integration, reducing the need for separate dedicated locking structures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the latching device is integrated into the flange neck, then internal components are protected from dirt and damage, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device components are merged with the flange neck, which is already a critical structural component that must be manufactured with high precision. By integrating the locking lever and latching elements into the flange neck, the patent avoids creating additional separate parts that would require assembly, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture despite the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The latching device is segmented into distinct functional elements (locking lever, latching elements, latching element receptacles, spring device) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the flange neck. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while still achieving the overall integration benefit of protected internal components
3Ease of operation
If the latching element is arranged in the flange neck in the unlatched state, then the locking mechanism operates easily without tools, but the reliability of locking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device automatically engages the latching element with the latching element receptacle when the protective device is rotated into the locked position. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for manual tool operation while ensuring positive engagement through the spring force, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device is pre-loaded to exert a locking force on the latching element before any rotational movement occurs. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the latching element is already positioned to engage with the receptacle, preventing unintentional rotation while allowing controlled locking when needed, thus balancing reliability with ease of operation
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 solution provides a reliable, space-efficient, and user-friendly locking mechanism that prevents the protective device from twisting beyond 90°, protects internal components from dirt and damage, and allows for easy assembly and operation without tools, ensuring secure axial and radial locking.
Implementation Method 1
the latching device having at least one spring device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a hand-held power tool, in particular an angle grinder (10), with a gearbox housing (12), a flange neck (14), with a guard (20) that can be mounted on the flange neck (14) and forms a receiving area for a tool (18), which is rotatable in the circumferential direction (22), and with at least one locking device (24) for locking a rotational position of the guard (20), wherein the locking device (24) is at least partially integrated into the flange neck (14), wherein the locking device (24) has at least one spring device (30), wherein the locking device (24) comprises at least one locking element (26) and at least one locking element receptacle (28) cooperating with the locking element (26), wherein the locking element receptacle (28) is formed on the guard (20), and wherein the locking element (26) is arranged on a locking lever (34).It is proposed that the locking element (26) is arranged in the flange neck (14) in the unlocked state and that the locking action is radial from the flange neck (14) to the protective device (20), wherein the locking lever (34) is rotatable about an axis (38) arranged in the flange neck (14).