Flexible Sprocket Coupling for Low-Noise Handheld Power Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld power tools, such as chain saws, face challenges in reducing noise and vibrations, which can disturb users and others, and may soon be subject to stricter sound level regulations.
Innovation Solution
A vibration dampening sprocket arrangement is introduced, featuring a flexible element that separates the drive unit from the driving means, utilizing a gear and O-rings or resilient materials to absorb vibrations and noise, allowing for a resilient connection between the drive shaft and cutting tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a rigid connection is used between drive unit and cutting tool, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but noise and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible element is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive shaft and the sprocket. This flexible element transmits rotational motion and power while absorbing vibrations and reducing noise, thus maintaining power transmission efficiency while eliminating harmful vibrations and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible element (such as a flexible coupling or elastomeric element) to connect the drive shaft to the sprocket. This flexible connection allows for effective power transmission while isolating vibrations and reducing noise, resolving the contradiction between rigid power transmission and vibration reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration dampening elements are added to reduce noise and vibrations, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element is integrated into the existing sprocket arrangement structure, combining the functions of power transmission and vibration dampening in a single component. This merging approach reduces overall device complexity while still providing effective vibration reduction and improved user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power from the drive shaft to the sprocket, dampens vibrations, and reduces noise. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vibration dampening components, thereby maintaining simple device structure while improving user comfort.
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 effectively reduces noise and vibrations, providing a more comfortable user experience and compliance with upcoming sound level regulations by isolating the drive unit from the driven parts, thus enhancing the energy efficiency and usability of handheld power tools.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration dampening sprocket arrangement comprising at least one flexible element arranged such that the drive unit is separated from the driving means by the flexible element
Implementation Method 2
the flexible connection between the drive shaft and the cutting tool, provided by the flexible element, may be resilient
Data Source
AI summary
A sprocket arrangement (5) for a handheld power tool such as a saw, comprising a drive unit configured to rotate a drive shaft and cutting tool configured to be driven by the drive shaft (21) via the sprocket arrangement. The sprocket arrangement (5) comprises a gear (1) and at least one flexible element (6a, 6b) arranged such that the drive shaft (21) in the handheld power tool is resiliently connected to the cutting tool in the handheld power tool. A handheld power tool comprising a drive unit, a drive shaft, driving means, and a sprocket arrangement is also provided.