Grinder Brake Interlock Linkage for Simpler Dust-Resistant Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric tools with brake mechanisms and interlocking mechanisms have a complex configuration, leading to increased costs, assembly time, and reliability issues due to dust entry and operational delays.

Innovation Solution

A simplified interlocking mechanism using a link member with rotatably supported arms, where one arm is pressed by the switch lever to move the slide member to the forward position, reducing component count and assembly effort, and enhancing operability and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional interlocking mechanism with rolling elements and inclined guide members is used, then the brake mechanism can be interlocked with the switch lever, but the number of components increases, leading to increased assembly complexity, cost, and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterlocking reliabilityVSAvoidinterlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple components (rolling element, inclined guide member, slide member) into a single integrated link member. The link member directly transmits the pushing force from the switch lever to the brake member without requiring separate guiding and rolling components, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining interlocking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The link member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a force transmission element, a guiding element, and a connecting element between the switch lever and brake mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional interlocking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the brake mechanism can be interlocked with the switch lever, but dust may enter between components, deteriorating motion and increasing pushing force requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterlocking reliabilityVSAvoiddust entry effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating multiple components into a single link member, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and gaps where dust could enter. The simplified structure with fewer moving parts minimizes exposure to contaminants, preventing motion deterioration and maintaining reliable interlocking operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a conventional interlocking mechanism with rolling elements and inclined guide members is used, then the brake mechanism can be interlocked with the switch lever, but assembly time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterlocking reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separately assembled components into a single link member that can be installed as one unit. This integration eliminates multiple assembly steps involving rolling elements, guide members, and slide members, significantly reducing assembly time and effort while preserving the reliability of the interlocking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a conventional interlocking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the brake mechanism can be interlocked with the switch lever, but the pushing operation becomes heavy and timing may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterlocking timingVSAvoidswitch lever operability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the guiding and force transmission functions into a single link member, the patent creates a more direct and efficient force transmission path. This eliminates energy losses and timing delays associated with multiple component interfaces, making the pushing operation lighter and more responsive while maintaining accurate interlocking timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces the complexity of the interlocking mechanism, lowers the risk of dust-induced deterioration, and improves the ease of operation by efficiently converting pressing force into forward driving force, maintaining good operability and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a coil spring configured to press the brake member toward the brake plate side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a link member that is interposed between the switch lever and the slide member, that moves the slide member to the forward position at the push-in position of the switch lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through lever rotation: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS11833640B2Electric tool
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 MAKITA CORP
  • US11833640B2 patent drawing
  • US11833640B2 patent drawing
  • US11833640B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A grinder includes a brake mechanism, a switch lever, and a slide bar. In the grinder, an interlocking mechanism configured to interlock the brake mechanism with the switch lever includes a link member that is interposed between the switch lever and the slide bar, that moves the slide bar to the forward position at the push-in position of the switch lever, and that moves the slide bar to the retraction position at the initial position of the switch lever.